IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: The FDA acknowledges that the ingredients in these cough and cold products have not been tested by today's standards to identify their levels of efficacy and safety. While further studies are pending, the manufacturers are voluntarily relabeling their recommended use of these products to "Do Not Use" in children less than 4 years of age. Given the need for further research, the dosages listed below are the current recommendations of our practice.
Cough Medicines
Dosages for cough medicines in various weights and ages
| Benylin DM Syrup |
6 hours |
Do Not Use |
Do Not Use |
Do Not Use |
1 3/4 tsp. |
2 tsp. |
2 tsp. |
| Delsym Syrup |
12 hours |
Do Not Use |
Do Not Use |
Do Not Use |
3/4 tsp. |
1 tsp. |
1 tsp. |
| Dimetapp DM |
6 hours |
Do Not Use |
Do Not Use |
Do Not Use |
1 1/2 tsp. |
2 tsp. |
3 tsp. |
| Donatussin Syrup |
4 - 6 hours |
Do Not Use |
Do Not Use |
Do Not Use |
1/4 tsp. |
1/2 tsp. |
3/4 tsp. |
| Robitussin DM Syrup |
4 hours |
Do Not Use |
Do Not Use |
Do Not Use |
1/2 tsp. |
1 tsp. |
1 tsp. |
Benylin DM Syrup
May Give Every
6 hours
- 14-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. - Do Not Use
- 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. - Do Not Use
- 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - Do Not Use
- 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 1 3/4 tsp.
- 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 2 tsp.
- 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 2 tsp.
Delsym Syrup
May Give Every
12 hours
- 14-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. - Do Not Use
- 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. - Do Not Use
- 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - Do Not Use
- 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 3/4 tsp.
- 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 1 tsp.
- 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 1 tsp.
Dimetapp DM
May Give Every
6 hours
- 14-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. - Do Not Use
- 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. - Do Not Use
- 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - Do Not Use
- 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 1 1/2 tsp.
- 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 2 tsp.
- 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 3 tsp.
Donatussin Syrup
May Give Every
4 - 6 hours
- 14-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. - Do Not Use
- 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. - Do Not Use
- 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - Do Not Use
- 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 1/4 tsp.
- 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 1/2 tsp.
- 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 3/4 tsp.
Robitussin DM Syrup
May Give Every
4 hours
- 14-17 lbs. 6-11 mo. - Do Not Use
- 18-23 lbs. 12-23 mo. - Do Not Use
- 24-35 lbs. 2-3 yr. - Do Not Use
- 36-47 lbs. 4-5 yr. - 1/2 tsp.
- 48-59 lbs. 6-8 yr. - 1 tsp.
- 60-85 lbs. 9-11 yr. - 1 tsp.