Is promethazine dm the same as robitussin dm – No, Promethazine DM and Robitussin DM are not the same. While both contain Dextromethorphan (DM) as a cough suppressant, their additional ingredients and effects differ:
Promethazine DM includes Promethazine, an antihistamine that treats allergies and nausea but causes drowsiness. It is prescription-only.
Robitussin DM contains Guaifenesin, an expectorant that helps loosen and clear mucus. It is available over the counter (OTC) and is generally non-drowsy.
Promethazine DM may be better for cough relief with allergy/nausea treatment. Robitussin DM is the preferred choice for cough suppression with mucus clearance.
Key Takeaways
Use Promethazine DM if you have a dry cough, nausea, or allergies and don’t mind the drowsiness.
Use Robitussin DM if you have a wet cough with mucus and need an expectorant to clear congestion.
Table of Contents
Promethazine DM
Promethazine DM is a combination medicine that contains promethazine and dextromethorphan. It temporarily relieves symptoms of allergies and the common cold and is only approved for adults and children age 2 years and older. Promethazine DM shouldn’t take by children younger than 2 years old since it can cause serious harm in this age group. This medication is taken by mouth, typically every 4 to 6 hours. Some common side effects of promethazine DM include drowsiness and stomach upset.
How does Promethazine DM work?
Promethazine DM is a combination of two medications.
Promethazine is a type of medication called phenothiazine. It works by blocking different chemicals in your brain and throughout your body that cause symptoms of allergies or nausea.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that the whole thing in the share of your brain that makes you cough. It lowers brain activity in that area, making you less likely to cough.
Robitussin Dm
Robitussin DM use to provisionally relieve your cough from minor throat annoyance or a cold. It also helps loosen phlegm from chest mobbing so that you can cough and salivate it.
Robitussin DM comes in a fluid form that you take by mouth. It comes in regular-strength, maximum-strength, sugar-free, and children’s preparations.
How Robitus-DM Syrup Works?
Robitus-DM Syrup covers Chlorpheniramine maleate, Phenylephrine, and Dextromethorphan hydrobromide. Chlorpheniramine maleate works by blocking the act of histamine, a substance accountable for causing allergic reactions. Phenylephrine benefits by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal area and reducing the stuffy nose. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide works by blocking the broadcast of nerve signs from the cough center in the brain to the muscles that crop cough. Together, Robitus-DM Syrup helps relieve dry cough.
Difference Between Promethazine DM and Robitussin DM
| Feature | Promethazine DM | Robitussin DM |
| Active Ingredients | Promethazine (antihistamine) + Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) | Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) + Guaifenesin (expectorant) |
| Purpose | Treats cough, allergies, nausea, and motion sickness | Treats cough and chest congestion |
| Sedation | Yes – it causes drowsiness | No – usually non-drowsy |
| Mucus Clearing | No – does not loosen mucus | Yes – it helps thin and expel mucus |
| Availability | Prescription-only | Over-the-counter (OTC) |
| Best For | Dry cough with allergies or nausea | Wet cough with mucus |
| Side Effects | Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth | Mild nausea, dizziness, and possible allergic reactions |
| Rating | Promethazine DM has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 43 ratings on Drugs.com. 45% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 40% reported a negative impact. | Robitussin Cough + Chest Congestion DM has a regular rating of 8.8 out of 10 from 6 ratings on Drugs.com. 83% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 0% reported a negative impact. |
| Dosage Forms Available | Oral syrup | Oral liquid |
| Drug Interactions | A total of 744 drugs are known to interact with Promethazine DM:
160 significant drug interactions (534 brand and generic names) 570 moderate drug interactions (2241 brand and generic names) 14 minor drug interactions (57 brand and generic names) |
A total of 363 drugs are known to interact with Robitussin Cough + Chest Congestion DM:
76 significant drug interactions (243 brand and generic names) 285 moderate drug interactions (1185 brand and generic names) 2 minor drug interactions (5 brand and generic names) |
Conclusion
is promethazine dm the same as robitussin dm – No, Promethazine DM and Robitussin DM are not the same, although both use to treat cough and cold symptoms.