What are the efficacy and effects of dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets?

Dec 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

As a commonly used antitussive medication, dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets primarily function to suppress cough, relieve dry cough symptoms, inhibit the medullary cough center, reduce cough frequency, and alleviate respiratory discomfort. This drug has strict dosage and treatment duration limitations. It is contraindicated in patients with excessive phlegm, lactating women, and individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders. Alcohol consumption or concomitant use of central nervous system depressants should be avoided during treatment.

As a commonly used antitussive medication, dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets are primarily effective in suppressing coughs, relieving dry cough symptoms, inhibiting the medullary cough center, reducing cough frequency, and improving respiratory discomfort. The specific effects are analyzed as follows:

1. Cough suppression: This medication is a centrally acting antitussive that directly acts on the cough center in the brain, reducing its excitability and thereby exerting a potent cough-suppressing effect. It is suitable for coughs caused by various conditions.

2. Relief of dry cough symptoms: It is particularly effective for non-productive (dry) coughs caused by illnesses such as colds, pharyngitis, and bronchitis. It can effectively reduce paroxysmal coughing triggered by throat irritation and help patients restore normal breathing patterns.

3. Inhibition of the medullary cough center: By selectively suppressing the cough center in the medulla oblongata, it blocks the neural pathway of the cough reflex, thereby reducing the generation of cough impulses at the source and achieving rapid cough relief.

4. Reduction of cough frequency: After administration, it significantly decreases the frequency of coughing episodes, preventing damage to the pharyngeal mucosa caused by frequent coughing and alleviating discomfort such as chest pain and sore throat resulting from severe coughing.

5. Improvement of respiratory discomfort: For coughs induced by respiratory tract irritation, this drug allows the respiratory system to rest through its antitussive action, indirectly improving breathing difficulties and other issues caused by persistent coughing, thus enhancing patient comfort.

This medication must be used strictly according to prescribed dosages and treatment durations. It is contraindicated in patients with excessive mucus production, during lactation, and in individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders. Alcohol consumption or concomitant use of central nervous system depressants should be avoided during treatment.

View All

What cough medicine works best?

There is no such thing as a single most effective cough medicine. Medications that can help relieve coughing include dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets, compound licorice oral solution, Chuanbei pipa syrup, Suhuang止咳 capsules, ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution, among others. It is recommended to use these under medical guidance. In daily life, maintaining good living habits and enhancing one's immune system are important ways to prevent coughs and respiratory diseases.

View Full Answer

What does it mean when there is a white coating on the tongue?

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viral infection, which leads to damage of epithelial cells and subsequently increases secretion from submucosal glands, resulting in excessive sputum production. This sputum may adhere to the tongue, making the tongue coating appear white. It is generally accompanied by symptoms such as cough and sputum production. It is recommended to take dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets or pentopril citrate tablets as directed by a physician.