If you have a cough, you may find relief with Delsym
® (
dextromethorphan polistirex). This is the only 12-hour, over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine available in the United States. Delsym is specifically designed to release a portion of its active ingredient immediately after taking a dose, while the remainder slowly dissolves over a 12-hour period, providing long-lasting relief.
Although many people do not have any problems while taking this cough medicine, Delsym can cause side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and an upset stomach. Fortunately, if negative reactions do occur, they tend to be mild and easily treated. However, contact a healthcare provider if you have:
- A fever, rash, or persistent headache
- A cough that lasts more than seven days or goes away and comes back.
Delsym comes in the form of a liquid in orange or grape flavor, and is only taken twice a day.
(For a complete overview of this cough medicine, click Delsym. This article provides details on how this product works, an outline of additional side effects, and some safety precautions to be aware of before beginning treatment.)