Hospital Virtual Tour

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.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

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: 2/5/2009
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/20/2008).

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;45(6):662-677.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)