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Dextromethorphan overdose - Overview

Alternative Names

DXM overdose; Robo overdose; Orange crush overdose; Red devils overdose;Triple C's overdose

Definition of Dextromethorphan overdose:

Dextromethorphan is a medicine that helps stop coughing. It is considered a cough suppressant. Dextromethorphan overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

Poisonous Ingredient:

  • Dextromethorphan

Where Found:

Dextromethorphan is found in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, including:

  • Robitussin DM
  • Triaminic DM
  • Rondec DM
  • Benylin DM
  • Drixoral
  • St. Joseph Cough Suppressant
  • Coricidin
  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough
  • NyQuil
  • DayQuil
  • TheraFlu
  • Tylenol Cold
  • Dimetapp DM

The drug is also abused and sold on the streets under the names:

  • Orange crush
  • Triple C's
  • Red Devils
  • Skittles
  • Dex
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
  • Reviewed last on: 1/20/2008
  • Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Warns Against Abuse of Dextromethorphan (DXM). Rockville, MD: National Press Office; May 20, 2005. Talk Paper T05-23.

Chyka PA, Erdman AR, Manoguerra AS, et al. Dextromethorphan poisoning: An evidence-based consensus guideline for out-of-hospital management. Clin Toxicol. 2007 Sep;45(6):662-77.