Delsym Products for Cough, Cold, and Flu Symptoms

Medically Reviewed by Ami Ishver, PharmD on April 10, 2025
4 min read

Delsym products are commonly used to treat cough. The main active ingredient in most Delsym products is dextromethorphan. It reduces your urge to cough. 

There are Delsym products for adults and children as young as 4 years old.

Delsym products may also contain 

  • Pain reliever/fever reducer (acetaminophen) for fever and pain, including headache, sore throat, and body aches
  • Antihistamine (diphenhydraminetriprolidine) for itchy/watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose, itching of the nose or throat
  • Decongestant (phenylephrine) to help relieve a stuffy nose or sinus congestion or pressure
  • Expectorant (guaifenesin) to help break up chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus

What should I know before using Delsym products?

For liquid Delsym products, always use the dosing cup provided. This helps to be sure you are getting the right amount of medicine. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose.

Delsym products that contain an antihistamine can make you sleepy. You shouldn’t drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how a Delsym product affects you. Taking certain medicines (such as sedatives or tranquilizers) or drinking alcohol can increase your risk for drowsiness with Delsym products. Talk to your health care provider about any other medicines you take or if you drink alcohol.

Most Delsym products contain dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan, when used as directed, can be a safe and effective way to treat a cough. Some people take excessive amounts of dextromethorphan to get high. This can be very dangerous. Do not take more than the recommended dose of any Delsym product. For more information or tools to help prevent this, you can visit www.stopmedicineabuse.org. 

Most Delsym products should not be used if you are taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI. An MAOI is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease. If you do not know if your prescription medicine contains an MAOI, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using a Delsym product.

Check with a healthcare provider before using any Delsym products if you have any of the following conditions.

There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Delsym product you are using. Always check the label before taking any Delsym product. Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare provider about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which Delsym products are safe for you.

Use the tables below to help you find the best product to treat your symptoms.

Active ingredients:

  • Cough suppressant: dextromethorphan

Product

Delsym Maximum Strength Cough Suppressant

Age

12 years or older

Formulation

Caplet

Dosing Frequency

Every 6 to 8 hours

Features

Fast release

Product

Delsym 12 Hour Flavored Cough Liquid

and

Delsym 12 Hour Flavored Children’s Cough Liquid

Age

4 years or older

Formulation

Liquid

Dosing Frequency

Every 12 hours

Features

Grape or orange flavors available

Alcohol free

Active ingredients:

  • Cough suppressant: dextromethorphan
  • Expectorant: guaifenesin

Product

Delsym Children’s Cough + Chest Congestion DM Cough Liquid

Age

4 years or older

Formulation

Liquid

Dosing Frequency

Every 4 hours

Features

Cherry flavor

Product

Delsym Cough + Chest Congestion DM Liquid

Age

12 years or older

Formulation

Liquid

Dosing Frequency

Every 4 hours

Features

Cherry flavor

Active ingredients:

  • Cough suppressant: dextromethorphan
  • Antihistamine: triprolidine
  • Pain reliever and fever reducer: acetaminophen

Product

Delsym Nighttime Cough Liquid

Age

12 years or older

Formulation

Liquid

Dosing Frequency

Every 4 hours

Features

Mixed berry flavor

Active ingredients:

  • Antihistamine: diphenhydramine
  • Decongestant: phenylephrine
  • Pain reliever and fever reducer: acetaminophen

Product

Delsym Children’s Cough + Cold Night Time

Age

4 years or older

Formulation

Liquid

Dosing Frequency

Every 4 hours

Features

Berry flavor

Active ingredients:

  • Cough suppressant: dextromethorphan
  • Pain reliever and fever reducer: acetaminophen

Product

Delsym Cough + Sore Throat

Age

12 years or older

Formulation

Liquid

Dosing Frequency

Every 4 hours

Features

Honey flavor

Available Day/Night Combination Packs (see the products above for ingredients and details)

  • Delsym 12 Hour Orange Flavored Cough Liquid + Delsym Nighttime Cough Liquid
  • Delsym Children’s Cough + Chest Congestion DM Cough Liquid + Delsym Children’s Cough + Cold Night Time