Reviewed by Dr. Younghun Cho
Pharmacist's Verdict
Robitussin DM Max is a classic, effective combination for quieting a nagging cough while also helping to break up mucus in your chest. It's a reliable workhorse for the common cold, but it's not the best choice if you only have one type of symptom.
Ingredient Analysis
Dextromethorphan HBr
Guaifenesin
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Treats two common cold symptoms—cough and chest congestion—in one dose.
- The liquid form is easy to swallow and can work relatively quickly.
- Maximum strength formula contains the highest over-the-counter doses for its active ingredients.
- Widely available from a well-known, trusted brand.
Cons
- Can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea; do not drive until you know how it affects you.
- The two ingredients can have opposing actions: one suppresses coughing while the other makes coughing more productive.
- Can interact dangerously with certain antidepressants, especially MAOIs.
- Dextromethorphan has a potential for abuse if taken in very high doses.
Research & References
FDA and PubMed citations are being compiled for this product.