A common drug used to treat cold, allergy, and cough symptoms is dextromethorphan hydrobromide and chlorpheniramine maleate syrup. The dual-action qualities of this combination syrup, which lessen the intensity of coughing and ease allergy-related symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, make it especially prized. We cover its composition, advantages, dosage recommendations, side effects, cost and safety measures for patients and caregivers in this extensive article.

Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide and Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup: Overview

Chlorpheniramine maleate and dextromethorphan hydrobromide are used together to treat dry cough. It offers short-term respite from symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and irritation of the throat. By calming airway inflammation and providing comfort, it helps reduce pain brought on by respiratory allergies and the common cold.

Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide and Chlorpheniramine Maleate Composition

Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide is a combination medication that cures dry cough by combining the two medications. Chlorpheniramine maleate, an antiallergic, reduces coughing associated with allergies by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical messenger. A cough suppressant called dextromethorphan hydrobromide works by lessening the activity of the brain’s cough centre. The following active ingredients are present in the majority of dextromethorphan hydrobromide and chlorpheniramine maleate syrup formulations per 5ml dose:

Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide and Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup Uses

This combination product is used to temporarily relieve runny nose, sneezing, and coughing brought on by upper respiratory allergies, hay fever, or the common cold. It helps you stop coughing by influencing the cough centre, a specific area of the brain. Doxylamine, triprolidine, and chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine, are also present in this medicine. These substances prevent the effects of histamine, a natural chemical that causes allergy symptoms. It has a drying effect as well.

How to Use

• Shake Well: To ensure that the ingredients are distributed evenly, shake the bottle well before measuring the dosage.

• Measuring Tool: For accuracy, use a medical syringe or the included measuring cap instead of a spoon.

• With or Without Food: Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, you may take this medication with or without food.

• Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but avoid taking two doses at once.

Dosage

Don’t miss any of your DM Syrup doses. Make sure you remember to take your next dose on time if you forget to take the previous one. To make up for a missing dose, never take two doses at once.

Overdosing

Never take more DM Syrup than is recommended. Proceed to the closest emergency room if you think you may have taken too much of this medication.

For adults and anyone above the age 12 should typically take 10ml orally. The maximum dose per day should be less than 6 doses.  For kids between the age bracket 6-12 years the typical dose is 5ml with not more than 6 doses per day. Kids between the age group of 2 to 6 years should take a dose of 2.5 ml with less than 6 doses per day.

Side Effects

Following are the potential side effects of dextromethorphan hydrobromide and chlorpheniramine maleate syrup–

• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Restlessness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Nervousness
• Rash
• Constipation
• Blurred Vision

Uncommon But Serious Side Effects

• Confusion
• Hallucination
• Difficulty passing urine
• Palpitations and irregular heartbeats
• Allergic reactions (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)

Side Effects in Elderly

• Dry Mouth
• Constipation
• Confusion

Management of Side Effects

To lessen gastrointestinal adverse effects, take this combination with meals and keep taking it as directed. See your doctor about modifying your treatment plan if adverse effects worsen or continue.

Price

Brand, packing size, and location all affect price. In India, as of August 2025, each 100ml bottle costs between ₹75 and ₹90.

It is wise to check prices at various pharmacies or seek advice from a medical professional.

Precautions

• If you have an allergy to this drug or any other allergies, let your doctor or pharmacist know before using it.

• Inactive chemicals in this product may result in allergic reactions or other issues. For further information, speak with your pharmacist.

• Before using this medicine, speak with your physician or pharmacist if you have any of the following health issues: coughing up a lot of mucus, a persistent cough (like that caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema), glaucoma, or trouble peeing (like those caused by an enlarged prostate).

• This drug may make you sleepy, lightheaded, or have impaired vision. Using marijuana or alcohol may make you feel more exhausted or dizzy. Until you can do so safely, avoid using machinery, driving, or doing anything else that requires attention or clear vision. 

• Don’t drink too much booze. Consult your physician if you use cannabis, or marijuana.

• Sugar, alcohol, or aspartame may be present in liquid formulations, chewable pills, or dissolving tablets/strips. 

• If you have liver illness, diabetes, alcoholism, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that necessitates limiting or avoiding these drugs in your diet, you should proceed with caution. For information on how to use this product safely, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

• Sodium is present in certain brands of this drug. If you are on a salt-restricted diet or have a disease that could be made worse by consuming additional salt, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

• It is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before the intake of the syrup.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Ease allergy symptoms by eating a balanced diet that boosts the immune system and lowers inflammation.

• To lessen inflammation, include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, and fatty fish.

• To promote gut health and lower inflammation, include probiotics in your diet, such as those found in yoghurt and buttermilk.

• If you have a pollen allergy, don a mask when you’re outside or try to stay indoors during pollen peak hours.

• By keeping the mucous membranes of the throat and nose wet, drinking lots of water can help reduce the symptoms of allergies.

• To strengthen your immune system, including vitamin C and D supplements in your diet.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication to prevent the combination’s negative effects from getting worse.

Other Medications to Avoid

This combination should not be taken with antihypertensives (reserpine), antidepressants (amitryptiline), antiarrhythmics (quinidine), or antifungals (terbinafine).

General Instructions

• Follow your doctor’s instructions when using DM Syrup. Your condition determines the recommended dosage, uptake frequency, and duration.

• Don’t share this medication with others or take more than is recommended. Don’t stop taking DM Syrup without first talking to your physician.

• Before using DM Syrup, let your doctor know about any heart or kidney issues you may have. While using this medication, keep a regular check on your blood sugar levels.

• After taking DM Syrup for a week, if your situation does not improve, speak with your doctor.

Conclusion

During the cold and flu season, dextromethorphan hydrobromide and chlorpheniramine maleate syrup are common household staples because they provide quick and efficient relief from cough and allergy symptoms. For people with dry cough, sneezing, runny nose, and allergy-related respiratory discomforts, its combination of an antihistamine and cough suppressant offers two advantages. Although the syrup is usually well tolerated, patients should carefully follow dosage instructions, seek medical advice for any underlying medical conditions, and exercise caution when taking other medications or engaging in activities that call for alertness. Always get professional medical advice before beginning this medication, especially if you have chronic health issues, are pregnant or nursing, or are a child. Never take more medication than is advised, and stop if side effects appear.

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide and chlorpheniramine maleate syrup is a reliable choice for cough and allergy treatment because patients and caregivers can optimize relief and reduce risks by being aware of its appropriate use, advantages, possible side effects, and precautions.

Disclaimer

This article’s content regarding dextromethorphan hydrobromide and chlorpheniramine maleate syrup is solely intended for educational and informational purposes. It is not meant to be a replacement for expert medical guidance, diagnosis, or care. Any questions you may have about a medication or medical condition should always be directed to your doctor, pharmacist, or other trained healthcare professional. Based on the information in this article, do not disregard or put off getting professional medical advice. Any medication should only be used under a licensed healthcare professional’s close supervision and direction. 

FAQs

Q1. What is dextromethorphan hydrobromide and chlorpheniramine maleate syrup used for?

A1.This syrup is used to relieve dry cough and allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Q2. How does this cough syrup work?

A2. Dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex by acting on the brain, while chlorpheniramine blocks histamine, reducing allergic symptoms.

Q3. Is this syrup safe for children?

A3. It can be used in children over the age of 2 years, but only under a doctor’s supervision. It is not recommended for children under 2 years old without explicit medical guidance.

Q4. Can I take this syrup during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

A4. The safety of this combination during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been well established. Consult your doctor before use.

Q5. Are there any common side effects?

A5. Yes, common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and constipation. 

Refresh Date: August 22, 2025