Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Dextromethorphan

Antitussive (cough suppressant)

Brand names: Delsym, Robitussin DM

Oral health effects

  • Dry mouth; syrup sugar/acid exposure

    Mild dry mouth; frequent sugary cough syrup adds caries/erosion exposure.

    Clinical management: Prefer sugar-free formulations; reinforce caries prevention; serotonergic-interaction caution.

Sources

  1. A Guide to Medications Inducing Salivary Gland Dysfunction, Xerostomia, and Subjective Sialorrhea: A Systematic Review Sponsored by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI. Wolff A, Joshi RK, Ekström J, et al. Drugs in R&D, 2017.