Children’s dextromethorphan dosage
Every chart below is transcribed from a real FDA drug-facts label, and grouped by the strength printed on the bottle. We calculate nothing.
Check the strength on your bottle first
The same medicine is sold at more than one concentration, and a chart is only correct for the bottle it was printed on. Find the “active ingredient” line on your package and match it to the heading above a chart below. If it does not match any of them, use the chart on your own box and ask a pharmacist if it is unclear.
2 mg per 10 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 10 mL) Brompheniramine maleate 2 mg Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg”.
The same chart appears on 13 products, including CAREONE CHILDRENS COLD COUGH, CHILDRENS COLD AND COUGH, Equaline childrens cold and cough.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| adults and children 12 years over | 20 mL every 4 hours |
| children 6 to under 12 years | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 6 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Purpose Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Cough suppressant Guaifenesin 100 mg Expectorant”.
The same chart appears on 4 products, including Good Neighbor Childrens Cough Relief Cherry Flavor, Target Childrens Cough Relief, Childrens Mucus and Cough Relief.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| children 6 years to under 12 years | 5 mL – 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 years to under 6 years | 2.5 mL – 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
160 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Purposes Acetaminophen 160 mg Pain reliever/fever reducer Chlorpheniramine maleate 1 mg Antihistamine Dextromethorphan HBr 5 m”.
The same chart appears on 4 products, including CVS Childrens Cold plus Cough plus Runny Nose, Childrens TYLENOL COLD plus COUGH plus RUNNY NOSE, TOPCARE Childrens Cold and Cough and Runny Nose.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Weight (lb) | Age (yr) | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| under 36 | under 4 years | do not use |
| 36-47 | 4 to 5 years | do not use unless directed by a doctor |
| 48-95 | 6 to 11 years | 10 mL |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
160 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Acetaminophen 160 mg Chlorpheniramine maleate 1 mg Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg”.
The same chart appears on 3 products, including Childrens Plus Cough and Runny Nose, Cough and Runny Nose Childrens Plus, Childrens Plus Flu.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Weight (lb) | Age (yr) | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| 48-95 | 6-11 | 10 mL |
| 36-47 | 4-5 | do not use unless directed by a doctor |
| under 36 | under 4 | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
160 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Purposes Acetaminophen 160 mg Pain reliever/fever reducer Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Cough suppressant”.
The same chart appears on 3 products, including CVS Childrens COLD PLUS COUGH PLUS SORE THROAT, Childrens TYLENOL COLD PLUS COUGH PLUS SORE THROAT, Walgreen Childrens COLD PLUS COUGH PLUS SORE THROAT.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Weight (lb) | Age (yr) | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| under 36 | under 4 years | do not use |
| 36-47 | 4 to 5 years | 5 mL |
| 48-95 | 6 to 11 years | 10 mL |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
325 mg per 15 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 15 mL) Acetaminophen 325 mg Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg Doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg”.
The same chart appears on 2 products, including Vicks NyQuil Kids COLD and COUGH plus FEVER, Vicks DayQuil Kids and Vicks NyQuil Kids COLD and COUGH plus FEVER.
| adults & children 12 yrs & over | 30 mL every 4 hrs |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 yrs | 15 mL every 4 hrs |
| children 4 to under 6 yrs | ask a doctor |
| children under 4 yrs | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
2 mg per 15 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 15 mL) Purpose Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg Antihistamine Dextromethorphan HBr 15 mg Cough suppressant”.
The same chart appears on 2 products, including CVS Nighttime Childrens Cold and Cough Multi-Symptom Relief, Nighttime Childrens Multi Symptoms Cold and Cough Multi-Symptom Relief.
| adults & children 12 yrs & over | 30 mL every 6 hrs. |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 yrs | 15 mL every 6 hrs. |
| children 4 to under 6 yrs | do not use unless directed by a doctor |
| children under 4 yrs | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Purposes Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 5 mg Cough suppressant Guaifenesin, USP 100 mg Expectorant”.
The same chart appears on 2 products, including Pediacare Childrens Cough and Congestion Grape, Childrens Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| AGE | DOSE |
|---|---|
| children under 4 years | do not use |
| children 4 to under 6 years | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children 6 to under 12 years | 10 mL every 4 hours |
| adults and children 12 years and over | 20 mL every 4 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
10 mg per chewable tablet
On the bottle this reads “Acitve Ingredient (in each chewable tablet) Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg”.
From the label for Mucinex Childrens Mighty Chews Cough.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| adults and children 12 years of age and over | 2 chewable tablets every 4 hours, not to exceed 12 chewable tablets in any 24-hour period |
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 1 chewable tablet every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 chewable tablets in any 24-hour period |
| children under 6 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
Active Ingredient In one teaspoon (5 ml) Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 5 mg
From the label for Creomulsion For Children.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| Children 6 years to under 12 years | 10mL (2tsp) every 4 hours |
| Children 2 to under 6 years | 5mL (1tsp) every 4 hours |
| Children under 2 years | Do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active Ingredients (In each 5 mL teaspoon) Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Guaifenesin 75 mg Phenylephrine HCl 2.5 mg”.
From the label for TUSSI PRES PEDIATRIC.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Children 2 to under 6 | Take one pre-measured single dose package (1 teaspoon or 5 mL) every 4 hours, as needed. |
|---|---|
| Children under 2 years | Do not use. |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
15 mg per 10 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredient (in each 10 ml) Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 15 mg”.
From the label for Childrens Robitussin Cough Long-Acting.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| children under 4 years | do not use |
| children 4 to under 6 years | 5 ml every 6 - 8 hours |
| children 6 to under 12 years | 10 ml every 6 to 8 hours |
| adults and children 12 years and older | 20 ml every 6 to 8 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients ( in each 5 mL, 1 teaspoon ) Dextromethorphan HBr, 5 mg Guaifenesin, 75 mg Phenylephrine HCl, 2.5 mg”.
From the label for PRESGEN PEDIATRIC.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| Adults and Children 12 years of age and over | 4 teaspoons (20 mL) every 4 hours |
| Children 6 to under 12 years of age | 2 teaspoons (10 mL) every 4 hours |
| Children 2 to under 6 years of age | 1 teaspoon (5 mL) every 4 hours |
| Children under 2 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
2 mg per 10 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 10 mL) Chlorpheniramine maleate, USP 2 mg Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 15 mg”.
From the label for Childrens Robitussin Nighttime Cough Long-Acting DM.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| Children under 6 years | do not use |
| children 6 to under 12 years | 10 mL every 6 hours |
| adults and children 12 years and older | 20 mL every 6 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
20 mg per 20 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 20 ml) Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 20 mg Guaifenesin, USP 200 mg Purposes Cough suppressant Expectorant”.
From the label for Childrens Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM.
| age | dose |
|---|---|
| children under 4 years | do not use |
| children 4 to under 6 years | 5 ml every 4 hours |
| children 6 to under 12 years | 10 ml every 4 hours |
| adults and children 12 years and over | 20 ml every 4 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
1 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL = 1 teaspoon) Purposes Chlorpheniramine maleate, USP 1 mg Antihistamine Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 7.5 mg Cough suppressant”.
From the label for Bactimicina Childrens Cough and Cold.
| Age (years) | Dose |
|---|---|
| Under 6 | do not use |
| 6-11 | 2 teaspoons (10 mL) every 6 hours |
| 12 and over | 4 teaspoons (20 mL) every 6 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
10 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Dextromethorphan HBr, 10 mg Guaifenesin, 100 mg”.
From the label for Giltuss Childrens Cough and Chest Congestion.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| children under 2 years | Consult a doctor |
| children 2 to under 6 years of age | 2.5 mL every 4 hours |
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children 12 years and over | 10 mL every 4 hours |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “Active ingredients (in each 5 mL) Purposes Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Cough suppressant Guaifenesin 100 mg Expectorant”.
From the label for Childrens Delsym Cough Plus Chest Congestion DM.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Age (year) | Dose (mL) |
|---|---|
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 5 mL - 10 mL every 4 hours |
| children 4 to under 6 years of age | 2.5 mL - 5 mL every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
Active ingredients (in each packet) Purposes Dextromethorphan HBr 5 mg Cough suppressant Guaifenesin 100 mg Expectorant
From the label for Mucinex Childrens Cough and Chest Congestion Mini-Melts Orange Creme.
| Age | Dose |
|---|---|
| adults and Children 12 years of age and over | 2 to 4 packets every 4 hours |
| children 6 years to under 12 years of age | 1 to 2 packets every 4 hours |
| children 4 years to under 6 years of age | 1 packet every 4 hours |
| children under 4 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
5 mg per 5 mL
On the bottle this reads “DRUG FACTS Active ingredients (in each 5 mL teaspoonful) Dextromethorphan HBr, USP 5 mg Guaifenesin, USP 100 mg”.
From the label for CHILDRENS MUCUS RELIEF COUGH - CHERRY FLAVOR.
Products at this strength do not all print the same chart — check the brand above against your box, and if it is not listed, use the chart printed on your own package.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| Children 6 years to Under 12 years | 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls (tsps) every 4 hours |
| Children 4 years to Under 6 years | 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful (tsp) every 4 hours |
| Children under 4 years | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg
From the label for Mucinex Childrens Mighty Chews Cold and Flu.
| Who | Dose |
|---|---|
| adults and children 12 years of age and over | 2 chewable tablets every 4 hours, not to exceed 12 chewable tablets in any 24-hour period |
| children 6 to under 12 years of age | 1 chewable tablet every 4 hours, not to exceed 6 chewable tablets in any 24-hour period |
| children under 6 years of age | do not use |
Transcribed from the FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed.
Frequently asked questions
How much dextromethorphan can I give my child?
Read it off the chart for the bottle you are holding, above. There is more than one strength of children's dextromethorphan on sale, and each has its own chart — that is why this page shows them separately rather than giving one number. Dose by weight where the chart offers weight; the label itself says to use weight if you know it, and age only otherwise.
Why does the chart say "ask a doctor" for babies under 2?
Because the label does. The FDA drug-facts chart stops at the youngest age the product was approved to be self-administered for, and below that the manufacturer directs you to a clinician rather than printing a dose. We reproduce that row exactly and do not fill it in — a paediatrician dosing an infant is working from weight and a clinical picture that a chart cannot carry.
Can I use a children's chart with an infants' bottle?
No, and this is the mistake that causes real harm. The same drug is sold at different concentrations: infants' ibuprofen is 50 mg per 1.25 mL, children's is 100 mg per 5 mL. Reading one chart against the other bottle gives the wrong amount of medicine. Check the "active ingredient" line on your bottle against the strength shown above each chart here.
Can I use a kitchen spoon to measure it?
No. Use the syringe or cup that came with that specific product — labels say so explicitly, and household spoons vary enough to matter at these volumes. If the dosing device is lost, ask a pharmacist for one rather than estimating.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each table is transcribed cell for cell from that product's FDA drug-facts label on DailyMed, linked under every chart. We calculate nothing and we merge nothing across products.
More on dextromethorphan
These charts are reproduced from FDA drug-facts labels for reference. They are not medical advice and cannot account for your child’s other medicines or conditions. Always read the label on the product you are giving, never exceed the stated number of doses in 24 hours, and call a doctor, pharmacist or poison control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) if you are unsure or think too much has been given.