Resources > Medicine Dosages > Cough Medicines
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
Medicine Name May Give Every   14-17 lbs.
6-11 mo. 
18-23 lbs.
12-23 mo. 
24-35 lbs.
2-3 yr. 
36-47 lbs.
4-5 yr. 
48-59 lbs.
6-8 yr. 
60-85 lbs.
9-11 yr. 
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.