Delsym is an over-the-counter cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan as its active ingredient. Dextromethorphan acts as a cough suppressant by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. While Delsym can provide relief for many people suffering from coughs, it is not appropriate for everyone. There are certain groups of people who should avoid taking Delsym.
People with Allergies or Sensitivities
If you have any known allergies or sensitivities to any of the ingredients in Delsym, you should not take it. The active ingredient dextromethorphan can potentially cause an allergic reaction in some people. Delsym also contains inactive ingredients like sorbitol, propylene glycol, sucralose, and flavors which may lead to adverse effects for those with sensitivities.
An allergic reaction to Delsym can result in symptoms like:
- Hives or rash
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Itching
If you experience any concerning symptoms after taking Delsym, seek medical help immediately. Having a known allergy or issues with certain inactive ingredients means you should avoid taking Delsym.
People Taking Certain Medications
There are some medications that can interact with dextromethorphan found in Delsym. Taking Delsym while also taking certain prescription drugs puts you at risk for dangerous side effects.
You should avoid Delsym if you are taking:
- MAO inhibitors like selegiline, phenelzine, linezolid, isocarboxazid, and tranylcypromine. Taking Delsym with these drugs can lead to serious reactions like high fever, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and coma.
- SSRIs like fluoxetine and paroxetine. The combination can cause serotonin syndrome which leads to confusion, agitation, headache, shivering, sweating, fast heartbeat, and more.
- Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine, and desipramine. These may increase the risk of neurological and cardiovascular side effects if taken with Delsym.
Always speak with your doctor about potential medication interactions before taking any new over-the-counter cough medicine like Delsym.
People with Liver Disease
Those with liver disease or impairment should avoid taking Delsym. Dextromethorphan is metabolized by the enzymes in the liver. When liver function is diminished, dextromethorphan can accumulate in the body and potentially reach toxic levels.
Symptoms of dextromethorphan toxicity include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Tremors
- Speech problems
- Blurry vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Seizures
Those with moderate to severe liver impairment are at the greatest risk. But even those with milder conditions should exercise caution with Delsym.
People with Respiratory Problems
Some people with certain respiratory conditions should avoid taking cough suppressants like Delsym. Since dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex, it can potentially lead to harmful complications for people with conditions affecting breathing.
Those who should not take Delsym include people with:
- Asthma – Coughing helps clear mucus from the airways. Suppressing coughs in asthma can lead to mucus plugs and increased risk of pneumonia.
- Chronic bronchitis – A productive cough is needed to rid the lungs of excess phlegm. Stopping coughs can worsen bronchitis symptoms.
- Emphysema – The lungs are already damaged, so coughing helps prevent infections. Delsym may increase risk of respiratory infections.
- Lung disease – Various lung diseases limit oxygen exchange. Suppressing the cough reflex can be dangerous.
For those with respiratory conditions, it is usually recommended to use an expectorant instead to loosen mucus. Talk to your doctor before taking any cough suppressant if you have a chronic respiratory disorder.
People with High Blood Pressure
Delsym can potentially raise blood pressure in some individuals. The dextromethorphan may interact with medications used to treat hypertension like beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
Those with uncontrolled or high blood pressure should avoid taking Delsym unless approved by a doctor. Monitor your blood pressure carefully if you have hypertension but still need to take Delsym for a cough.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
The use of Delsym has not been adequately studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is recommended they avoid taking Delsym unless a doctor advises that potential benefits outweigh possible risks.
Dextromethorphan can cross the placenta and potentially lead to side effects or birth defects. The drug also transfers into breastmilk and may produce adverse effects in infants. Exercise caution and consult your OBGYN before taking while pregnant or nursing.
Children Under 4 Years Old
Delsym is not considered safe for use in children below 4 years of age. Young children may be more sensitive to the effects of dextromethorphan. Serious side effects like agitation, tremors, convulsions, and coma have occurred in children improperly given cough medicines with dextromethorphan.
Dextromethorphan doses for kids are based on weight and age. Avoid giving Delsym to children under 4 years old and only administer to older kids under guidance of their pediatrician.
People with Glaucoma
Those diagnosed with glaucoma should avoid taking dextromethorphan found in Delsym. Dextromethorphan can increase intraocular pressure which can worsen glaucoma symptoms.
Using cough suppressants may also mask potential warning signs associated with glaucoma like headaches and eye pain. Speak with an ophthalmologist before taking Delsym if you have glaucoma.
People with Enlarged Prostate
Delsym may worsen urinary retention issues in men with enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Dextromethorphan acts on receptors in the brain that control urination.
For those with BPH, dextromethorphan could inhibit signals that regulate bladder contractions and urine flow. This may exacerbate difficulty and pain with urination caused by prostate enlargement.
People with Gastrointestinal Conditions
Some inactive ingredients in Delsym like sorbitol can aggravate certain gastrointestinal conditions. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that can have a laxative effect in some people when consumed in excess.
Those with conditions like:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Diverticulitis
- Diarrhea
May experience worsening symptoms when taking Delsym. The sorbitol may cause abdominal cramping, gas, bloating, and loose stools. People with GI conditions should take Delsym with caution.
People with Seizures
Dextromethorphan found in Delsym may lower the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals. Those with a history of seizures, epilepsy, brain trauma, or other conditions that predispose to seizures should avoid Delsym.
Cases of seizures have occurred in people without a seizure disorder when taking dextromethorphan at recommended dosages. Anyone with an underlying seizure disorder could be at an even higher risk.
People with Drug or Alcohol Dependence
Individuals with a history of drug or alcohol addiction may be prone to abuse dextromethorphan found in Delsym. At high doses, dextromethorphan can produce euphoric effects and dissociative, hallucinogenic side effects.
People with vulnerabilities to substance dependence may take excessively high doses of Delsym increasing their risk of severe reactions. It is best for people with addiction disorders to avoid taking Delsym.
People Taking Illicit Drugs
Using Delsym together with illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, LSD, and others can increase the risk of adverse effects. Combining dextromethorphan with illicit substances may enhance highs but also enhances the dangers.
Reported reactions when mixing Delsym with recreational drugs include:
- Delirium
- Agitation
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Seizures
- Coma
Avoid combining Delsym with any illicit drugs due to the serious risks involved.
Elderly People
Elderly individuals may be more prone to side effects and adverse reactions when taking dextromethorphan. Age-related decreases in liver and kidney function can slow the metabolism and excretion of dextromethorphan leading to potential toxicity and overdose.
Seniors should use lowered dosages of Delsym and be monitored closely for side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and excitability which may be more prominent. Consult a doctor before use in the elderly.
Conclusion
While Delsym can be an effective cough suppressant for many, it is not appropriate for everyone. Certain groups of people may experience dangerous effects and should avoid taking Delsym. This includes those with allergies, medication interactions, liver disease, respiratory disorders, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, gastrointestinal conditions, seizures, substance abuse issues, and the elderly.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under 4 years should also refrain from using Delsym. Speak with your doctor about your medical history before taking Delsym or any dextromethorphan cough medicine. Being informed about who should avoid Delsym can prevent possible harmful reactions.
