How Long Does Dextromethorphan Stay in Your System?

Man thinking representing hyperfixation

Updated October 28, 2024

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Man thinking representing hyperfixation

First approved by the FDA in 1958, dextromethorphan has long become a staple in many medicine cabinets across America, although you’re more likely to know it by its common brand names like Robitussin and Nyquil.

Dextromethorphan (DMX) has helped relieve many coughs and comes in different kinds of forms. Read on to learn more about this popular ingredient in cold medicine, including understanding dextromethorphan medication length, potential for misuse, and more. 

What Is Dextromethorphan?

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a common over-the-counter medication that is primarily used as a cough suppressant. Because of its ability to alleviate persistent coughing, it is found in many OTC cough and cold medications at your local drugstore for the purpose of helping cold or flu symptoms. DMX is classified as a non-opioid cough suppressant and is available in various forms, including syrups, tablets, and lozenges.

Dextromethorphan works by decreasing the activity in the part of your brain—the medulla oblongata in the brainstem—that causes coughing. 

Uses of Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is used to treat coughs from flus, colds, and other respiratory illnesses. And although it will significantly relieve the cough, it will not actually treat the symptom itself; it only suppresses it. 

Common Dextromethorphan Medications

Dextromethorphan is a main ingredient in many widely available over-the-counter medications and cough syrups. 

Some common brands and formulations include:

  • Robitussin DM: A popular choice for cough suppression and relief from chest congestion.
  • Nyquil: Often used to address multiple cold symptoms, including cough, with DXM as one of its primary ingredients.
  • Mucinex DM: Combines DXM with guaifenesin, an expectorant, to relieve coughs while also helping to loosen mucus.
  • Delsym: Known for its extended-release formulation, providing prolonged cough relief.
 

Side Effects of DXM (Dextromethorphan)

While dextromethorphan is generally safe when used as directed, it may cause side effects in some cases. Common side effects include:

  • Drowsiness and lethargy
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach upset
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nervousness
 

In rare cases, high doses or misuse can lead to more severe reactions such as hallucinations, confusion, and impaired motor skills. Chronic abuse of dextromethorphan can also lead to serious health issues including dependence and damage to the respiratory system.

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Dextromethorphan Timelines

Understanding how long dextromethorphan stays in your system and how it affects your body is crucial for safe usage and to avoid potential interactions or side effects.

How Long Does it Take for Dextromethorphan To Kick In?

DMX is absorbed into the bloodstream through the digestive tract. The onset of action generally occurs within 30 to 60 minutes. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the formulation of the medication, whether it is an immediate-release or extended-release type, and individual factors such as metabolism, age, digestive health, and weight.

How Long Do the Effects of DXM Last?

The effects of dextromethorphan usually last for about 4 to 6 hours. Extended-release formulations, such as those found in some cough syrups, can prolong the effects for up to 12 hours. This duration allows for sustained relief from coughing, especially during the night or throughout the day.

How Long Does DXM Stay in Your System?

The elimination of dextromethorphan from the body depends on different factors like dosage, metabolism, and overall health. On average, DXM has a half-life of approximately 3 to 6 hours. This means that it takes about this amount of time for the concentration of the drug in your bloodstream to reduce by half. Complete clearance from the system generally occurs within 24 to 48 hours after ingestion, although traces might be detectable in urine for a slightly longer period.

However, DMX may still be detectable several days after ingested depending on the methods of detection. Here are some common ways to detect dextromethorphan:

  • Blood: 1-2 days
  • Saliva: 2-3 days
  • Urine: 3-7 days or longer for heavy/long-term use
  • Hair follicle: Up to 90 days

How Long Does Coricidin HBP Stay in Your System? | FAQs

Are you concerned about how long the cough syrup you use stays in your system? Here are some answers on the most common kinds of over-the-counter cough medicines. Remember that the durations of different medications that contain dextromethorphan depends on several factors, including:

  • Weight
  • Height
  • Metabolism
  • Age
  • Dosage 
 

How Long Does Coricidin HBP Stay in Your System?

Coricidin HBP includes dextromethorphan as one of its main active ingredients. Given its similar pharmacokinetics to other DXM-containing medications, it generally stays in the system for about 24 to 48 hours. However, individual factors such as kidney function and dosage can influence this duration.

How Long Does Mucinex DM Stay in Your System?

Mucinex DM combines dextromethorphan with guaifenesin. The presence of guaifenesin may slightly alter the clearance time of DXM. Typically, DXM from Mucinex DM is cleared from the body within 24 to 48 hours, though its effects might be felt for up to 12 hours depending on the formulation.

How Long Does Nyquil Last?

Nyquil, a multi-symptom cold medication that includes dextromethorphan, is designed to provide relief throughout the night. Its effects generally last about 4 to 6 hours, consistent with the duration of action for dextromethorphan. However, the medication can be present in the system for up to 24 hours due to its other ingredients.

How Long Does Dayquil Last?

Dayquil is similar to Nyquil but designed for daytime use. It also includes dextromethorphan for cough suppression, and its effects typically last around 4 to 6 hours. Dayquil’s active ingredients are metabolized relatively quickly, so it’s generally cleared from the system within 24 hours.

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Get Treatment for Drug Addiction at Gratitude Lodge

Although legal and FDA-approved, dextromethorphan has a potential for abuse and addiction. In moderate to high doses, its effects have been likened to those of ketamine or PCP.

If you or a loved one is struggling with cold medication addiction or is abusing dextromethorphan, get in touch with the professionals at Gratitude Lodge. We are a team of addiction recovery specialists that can help you begin your recovery journey in a luxurious, state-of-the-art facility. 

What sets Gratitude Lodge apart is that many of our own staff and founders are in recovery themselves. This means that from the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be in an environment where you are truly understood and supported. 

Along with this facet of our treatment, we offer luxurious amenities, a proximity to beautiful beaches, and customized treatment plans that offer a combination of science-backed approaches and holistic treatments. We offer the following treatment modalities:

  • MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
  • Counseling
  • Talk therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Holistic therapy
  • Aftercare

 

Call our recovery team to begin treatment right away at 844-576-0144.

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Jenni Bussi

Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.
Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

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