DXM
Legal Status
U.S. FEDERAL LAW #
Caution : All legal information should be verified through other sources. [see below]
U.S. FEDERAL LEGAL SUMMARY | |
DXM | |
REGULATED | Yes |
STATUS | Over-The-Counter Drug |
SCHEDULE | Un-Scheduled |
A bill to restrict bulk sales of Dextromethorphan has been introduced in the US House of Representatives. See HR 5280 : Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2006 and Larsen Introduces Bill to Address DXM Abuse.
Dextromethorphan is unscheduled in the United States. It is sold over-the-counter as an approved drug and is legal to buy, possess, and ingest without a license or prescription. Sales for human consumption are regulated by the FDA and each formulation or product requires specific FDA approval. Some individuals who have sold DXM have been convicted of selling misbranded drugs, a federal crime.
Dextromethorphan is unscheduled in the United States. It is sold over-the-counter as an approved drug and is legal to buy, possess, and ingest without a license or prescription. Sales for human consumption are regulated by the FDA and each formulation or product requires specific FDA approval. Some individuals who have sold DXM have been convicted of selling misbranded drugs, a federal crime.
U.S. STATE LAW #
DXM is increasingly difficult to purchase around the U.S. Some pharmacies and mega-stores like WalMart have instituted voluntary procedures to reduce the sale of DXM-containing products to minors. Some states have passed laws further regulating DXM-containing products, but it is still unscheduled (legal to purchase and possess without a prescription) in every state as far as we know.
We have received reports from several states around the U.S. that WalMart no longer sells DXM products to people under 18 and often asks for ID from those who wish to purchase it. Some areas are now restricting the maximum number of units (boxes, bottles) of DXM-containing product they will sell to one person.
We have received reports from several states around the U.S. that WalMart no longer sells DXM products to people under 18 and often asks for ID from those who wish to purchase it. Some areas are now restricting the maximum number of units (boxes, bottles) of DXM-containing product they will sell to one person.
Arizona #
We have been told that as of November 2007, major chain pharmacies in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas now require that purchasers be 18 years of age or older. (unconfirmed)
Arkansas #
"In Arkansas, purchasers of any product containing Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide (DXM) must be 18 years of age or older and present a photo ID." (unconfirmed) (thanks NR)
California #
Many stores in California will sell a maximum of two products containing DXM to an individual (enforced by computer lock-out if more are attempted) and require ID showing 18 years old or over. Another visitor reported that they were able to purchase 5 bottles of DXM-containing cough syrup from a discount store without being asked for ID. (thanks THP, SR)
Colorado #
We have been told that all DXM sales require a valid ID of a person 21 years of age or older. The maximum purchase per customer per 30 days is 2 units (4 oz Each containing no more than 354ml of Dextromorthorphan Hbr). (unconfirmed) (thanks JV)
Connecticut #
We have been told that many stores (especially large chain stores) in the state require that purchasers of DXM-containing products be 18 or older. (unconfirmed) (thanks M)
Florida #
We have been told that stores in central Florida are now restricting the number of DXM-containing product units sold to a single person and not selling DXM-containing products to "kids who look like they're getting high". (unconfirmed) (thanks BP) (last updated Dec 2005)
Georgia #
We have been told that as of Nov 2005 WalMart no longer sells Robitussin products to those under 18 but that other stores still sell the products. (unconfirmed) (thanks DC)
Illinois #
Effective Jan 1 2007, DXM-containing products are banned for sale, delivery, distribution and possession except as over-the-counter remedies complying with FDA safety and labeling standards. [Public Act 094-0800, May 25 2006, Text of law] A May 26 2006 Chicago Tribune article, had reported that the law would take effect immediately. (thanks FE, AH)
Iowa #
We have been told that stores are currently requiring ID and that purchasers of DXM-containing products be 18 or older. (thanks RBD)
Kansas #
As of Jan 2007, we have been told that many larger stores (Dillons, Walmart, Target, etc.) are following the trend of carding people for underage purchasing. The restricted age is set at 18. (thanks D)
Kentucky #
We have been told that DXM cannot be purchased in large chain stores and pharmacies without a photo ID. In some locations people purchasing over-the-counter cough medicines containing DXM are required to be at least 19 years of age. Smaller grocery stores and gas stations do not generally require ID." (unconfirmed) (thanks D)
Michigan #
As of Jan 2006, we have been told that larger chain stores no longer sell DXM or Pseudophedrine products to minors under the age of 18.
Missouri #
We have been told that chain stores (Walmart, Target, etc) required photo ID to purchase DXM products. (unconfirmed)
New York #
It is unlawful to "give, sell or cause to be given or sold 2 or more containers of medicine containing dextromethorphan to any person under the age of 18."
(http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=S06244)
North Carolina #
DXM-containing products sold over-the-counter normally in most stores, large national chains may ask for ID. (unconfirmed) (thanks Brannon)
Ohio #
DXM-containing products are available in store aisles but large stores (Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Target, Meijers, Rite-Aid, etc) now require ID, limit sales to two DXM-containing products, and check that purchasers be 18 years old. (thanks TMSD, M)
Oregon #
We have been told that some stores in Oregon require photo ID proof of being 18 or older while others do not. (unconfirmed) (thanks AS, B)
Pennsylvania #
Two visitors write that DXM-containing products are available in store aisles but that large stores (Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, etc) now require ID and that purchasers be 18 years old. (thanks Y, R)
South Carolina #
We have been told that some stores in South Carolina reqire photo ID of being 18 to purchase DXM-containing products, and sales are limited to three items at any one time. (unconfirmed) (thanks CC)
Tennessee #
Larger chain stores are requiring ID and age 18 to purchase. (unconfirmed) (thanks LK)
Texas #
Larger chain stores are requiring ID and age 18 to purchase, other pharmacies sometimes ask, grocery stores are often less strict. (unconfirmed) (thanks LH)
Virginia #
Drug stores may refuse sale of DXM to anyone under 18. (unconfirmed) (thanks T)
Wisconsin #
Large chain stores like Walmart, Target, etc require photo ID and age 18, but other stores often do not restrict sales. Others say that all stores are requiring ID for any DXM-containing product and limiting sale to 2-3 items per person. (unconfirmed) (thanks M, TS)
If you have information about the legal status of this substance in any other U.S. state, please let us know.
INTERNATIONAL LAW #
Australia #
DXM is legal as an over-the-counter cough suppressant, but import restrictions on DXM-only products may exist. We have been told that DXM over-the-counter products are limited to 3% or less DXM and one package may not contain over 600mg of DXM. (unconfirmed) (thanks O, SG)
Canada #
DXM-containing products sold over-the-counter in Canada.
Hong Kong #
We have heard that DXM is not available over-the-counter in Hong Kong, but instead requires a prescription.
Czech Republic #
Received word that some pharmacies require prescription for tabletted DXM, but not for liquid preparations (HUMEX and Robitussin available brands).
Denmark #
DXM is available over-the-counter in pill and liquid form. Liquid 1-3 mg / ml and tablets 15-30mg per tablet.
Germany #
DXM available without a prescription in pharmacies in both syrup and pills. Rathiopharm-Hustenstiller capsules for example, contains 30mg per capsule.
Finland #
We have been told that DXM containing cough syrups are sold over-the-counter in Finland, but generally contain sorbitol which acts as a laxative and can cause diarrhea at high doses. Some DXM containing products are legal to possess and can be purchased over-the-counter, but require a permit to sell. Other DXM containing products require a prescription for purchase, perhaps based on the quantity per dosage unit.
France #
Available behind the counter at the pharmacy without a prescription.
Greece #
One visitor reported that DXM is only available by prescription in Greece, but we have no confirmation of that.
Israel #
Available in popular over-the-counter cough medicines
Japan #
DXM is legal in Japan. As of Aug 1999 we have reports of it being sold in headshops for 5000 to 6000 yen for 2 doses.
Netherlands #
We have been told that in the Netherlands, DXM is sold over-the-counter as an cough remedy with no prescription or ID required. (thanks N)
E. adds: "You can also buy the regular 'Daro hoestprikkeldempende tabletten'. These tablets are not slow-release, and contain 20.4 mg dextromethorfanhydrobromidemonohydrate (15 mg DXM) and 211 mg lactose." (thanks D, GP, E) (last Updated Nov 2007)
E. adds: "You can also buy the regular 'Daro hoestprikkeldempende tabletten'. These tablets are not slow-release, and contain 20.4 mg dextromethorfanhydrobromidemonohydrate (15 mg DXM) and 211 mg lactose." (thanks D, GP, E) (last Updated Nov 2007)
New Zealand #
DXM is reportedly available in popular, over-the-counter cough medicines in New Zealand. Products contain up to 30mg per 20ml dose. (thanks E) (last updated May 2007)
Poland #
DXM available over-the-counter in Poland. Available in tablets/gelcaps/syrups forms. Tablets are 5-30mg, syrups 1-3mg/ml. A few medicines were moved from 'prescription category' to OTC ('Acodin' tablets). Prices in fall of 2003 were approximately Tussidex (15x30mg gelcaps) - ~2USD, Acodin (30x15mg pills) - ~2USD, Tussal (10x15mg pills) - ~1.8 USD. (thanks NE)
Romania #
Pure DXM Prescription-only, liquid forms available over-the-counter (OTC). Sold as "Tussin" and "Tussin Forte" in both pills and syrup. Tussin pills 10mg DXM and Tussin Forte 20mg DXM per pill. Tussin Forte costs about 2 USD per 20 tablets. An Erowid reader reports that pharmacies often sell Tussin and Tussin Forte without a prescription in Bucharest, despite the laws. (thanks TB, CW)
Scotland #
We have been told that DXM is available Over-the-counter in Scotland. (unconfirmed) (thanks M)
Singapore #
We have been told that DXM is Class A drug in Singapore and is rarely prescribed. (unconfirmed) (thanks DK)
Sweden #
Sweden is planning to control a number of chemicals as of May 1, 2007 including LSA, 2C-T-4, DXM, and DOI. DXM had been available in pure form through online stores in Sweden. DXM-containing products available OTC. (thanks P, LM) (March 2007)
Thailand #
DXM is available behind the counter at the pharmacist. Prescription is obtained from the pharmacist. (thanks RHCN, CH)
UK #
DXM is specifically exempted from control by the 1971 and 2001 versions of the Misuse of Drugs Act. In June, 2006, an Erowid reader reported being told by an online pharmacy that it is now illegal to buy more than one DXM-containing product from a supplier in the UK, but we have been unable to confirm that there is such legislation. (thanks T)
If you have information about the legal status of this substance in any other country, please let us know.
CAUTION & DISCLAIMER #
Erowid legal information is a summary of data gathered from site visitors, government documents, websites, and other resources. We are not lawyers and can not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided here. We do our best to keep this information correct and up-to-date, but laws are complex and constantly changing. Laws may also vary from one jurisdiction to another (county, state, country, etc)...this list is not comprehensive.
RELATED RESOURCES #
RELATED LINKS #
New York man pleads guilty to selling misbranded DXM - St. Louis Today, Jan 16 2008
Two Indiana men convicted of selling DXM - IndyStar.com, Jan 11 2006

