Indications Dextromethorphan is a powerful antitussive agent that is suitable for dry cough . If one keeps in mind that this substance is prescription-free on a worldwide scale, one must be amazed by the relative lack of documentation available on the drug. Only in a few, small studies has dextromethorphan been compared directly to codeine. A similar antitussive activity was thereby established for both substances. Comparative doses of dextromethorphan may be better tolerated, but the efficacy of codeine is normally more reliable.
Literature yields contradictory data on the onset and peak stages of efficacy.
Dextromethorphan is a constituent of numerous cough medicine combinations.