Coughing can be really uncomfortable and annoying. Many people try over-the-counter meds to feel better. Two popular ones are Delsym and Robitussin.
They’re often recommended for soothing a bad cough, but it’s good to know the differences between them so you can choose the right one for your symptoms.
Delsym contains dextromethorphan hydrobromide as its active ingredient. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. It is formulated as an extended-release suspension, which means it is designed to provide relief for up to 12 hours.
The dextromethorphan in Delsym is bound to a polymer called polistirex, which allows for a slow and steady release of the medication over time.
Robitussin, on the other hand, contains two active ingredients: dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin. While dextromethorphan acts as a cough suppressant by inhibiting the cough reflex in the brain, guaifenesin serves as an expectorant. Guaifenesin works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear congestion.
Robitussin is available in various formulations, including syrups, tablets, and lozenges, and is commonly used to relieve coughs associated with colds and bronchitis.
The notable difference between Delsym and Robitussin lies in their formulations and additional active ingredients. Delsym focuses solely on cough suppression with its extended-release dextromethorphan, while Robitussin combines dextromethorphan with guaifenesin to address both cough suppression and mucus clearance. This makes Robitussin more suitable for treating productive coughs with mucus, whereas Delsym is better for dry, non-productive coughs.
Delsym and Robitussin are two popular over-the-counter cough medicines that serve different purposes despite sharing a common active ingredient, dextromethorphan hydrobromide. The key difference lies in their formulations and additional ingredients.
Delsym is an extended-release suspension that focuses solely on cough suppression, providing relief for up to 12 hours by affecting the brain’s signals that trigger the cough reflex. It is best suited for dry, non-productive coughs.
Robitussin, on the other hand, combines dextromethorphan with guaifenesin, an expectorant that thins and loosens mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear congestion. This makes Robitussin more suitable for treating productive coughs with mucus.
When choosing between Delsym and Robitussin, consider your individual needs and circumstances. If you have a dry, non-productive cough, Delsym may be the better choice due to its extended-release formula and focus on cough suppression. However, if you have a productive cough with mucus, Robitussin’s combination of dextromethorphan and guaifenesin makes it a more suitable option for relieving symptoms and clearing congestion.