What is Polytussin DM: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Updated Jul 29,
2025 • Published Dec 30,
2020
Polytussin DM is an over-the-counter cold and hay fever medication. It combines a cough suppressant, a decongestant, and an antihistamine to help relieve coughing, an itchy nose, nasal congestion, and throat discomfort. Polytussin DM has not been discontinued, but it may be difficult to find on store shelves or online.
Treats cough, nasal congestion, itchy nose, itchy throat, and itchy, watery eyes due to the common cold, hay fever, and other upper respiratory tract allergies.
For cold, hay fever, or upper respiratory tract allergies, symptom relief:
In adults and children 12 years of age and older: 10 mL every four hours
In children 6–12 years of age: 5 mL every four hours
In children 2–6 years of age: Consult a healthcare provider
Common Polytussin DM prescriptions
Polytussin DM 480ml of 5-10-1mg/5ml bottle
How to take Polytussin DM
Follow the instructions on the package. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Take or administer doses every four hours until symptoms are under control.
Store Polytussin DM at room temperature.
What to do if you miss a dose of Polytussin DM
Take a missed dose if symptoms are still a problem.
Take the next dose four hours later.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Polytussin DM contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use Polytussin DM in children younger than 2 years of age.
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients.
Polytussin DM warnings
Before using this medicine, talk to a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:
Breathing problems such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Thyroid disease
Trouble urinating because of an enlarged prostate
Chronic cough
Coughing that brings up excessive mucus
Nervousness
Insomnia
Talk to a healthcare provider before administering this medicine to a child between 2 and 6 years of age.
This medicine can make you drowsy or restless.
Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Avoid taking this medicine at bedtime if it makes you restless.
Stop using this medicine and contact a healthcare professional if symptoms do not improve in seven days, symptoms worsen, or you have:
Severe sore throat
Fever
Rash
Persistent headache
Thick yellow or green mucus
Polytussin DM interactions
Do not use Polytussin DM or any other medication containing dextromethorphan if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Any MAO inhibitor must be stopped for at least four weeks before it’s safe to take dextromethorphan.
Before using Polytussin, talk to a healthcare provider if any drugs or substances that cause sleepiness are being taken. These include sleeping pills, other cold and allergy medicines, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Polytussin DM side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Slowed breathing
Chest pain
Allergic reaction: Itching, hives, redness, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, low blood pressure, lightheadedness
