What is Kafosed?: An Overview of the Cough Suppressant

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Dextromethorphan, the active ingredient in Kafosed, was first approved by the FDA in 1958 and has been a staple in over-the-counter cough suppressants for decades. So, what is Kafosed? It is a brand-name medication used to relieve dry, irritating coughs.

Quick Summary

Kafosed is a cough syrup whose active ingredient is Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide. It functions as an antitussive, providing symptomatic relief for non-productive coughs by acting on the brain's cough center.

Key Points

What it is: Kafosed is a brand-name cough syrup used to relieve dry, irritating coughs.
Active Ingredient: Its sole active ingredient is Dextromethorphan, an antitussive (cough suppressant).
Mechanism of Action: It works by acting on the cough center in the brain to reduce the urge to cough.
Primary Use: It is intended for non-productive coughs, such as those from the common cold or bronchitis.
Administration: Typically for adults and children over 12; use a proper measuring device and do not exceed the recommended amount.
Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea are among the more common side effects.
Important Warning: Do not take with MAO inhibitors due to the risk of a serious drug interaction.

Understanding Kafosed and Its Primary Use

Kafosed is a brand-name medication available as a syrup, primarily used for the symptomatic relief of dry, non-productive coughs. These are coughs that do not produce mucus or phlegm. The medication is indicated for coughs associated with conditions like the common cold or bronchitis. It is typically formulated for adults and children over 12 years of age, though usage in younger children should only be under a doctor's direction. The active ingredient responsible for its effect is Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, a well-established antitussive agent.

The Pharmacology Behind Kafosed: How Dextromethorphan Works

The therapeutic action of Kafosed is owed to its active component, Dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan belongs to a class of medications known as antitussives. Its primary mechanism of action involves targeting the cough reflex at its source. It crosses the blood-brain barrier to act on the cough center in the medulla oblongata, a part of the brainstem. By binding to and activating sigma opioid receptors, it suppresses the cough reflex, reducing the urge to cough without typically causing analgesic (pain-relieving) or addictive effects at standard therapeutic uses. In addition to its antitussive properties, Dextromethorphan is also an antagonist of NMDA glutamate receptors, which contributes to its effects, particularly at higher, non-therapeutic amounts.

Proper Administration

It is crucial to follow the recommended administration instructions provided by a healthcare professional or as listed on the product packaging. The medication should be shaken well before use, and a proper measuring device should be used to ensure accurate administration. It is not recommended for children under 12 years old unless specifically advised by a physician. Taking more than the recommended amount can lead to serious adverse effects and does not improve efficacy.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Like all medications, Kafosed can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Common side effects are generally mild and may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Due to the risk of dizziness and drowsiness, it is advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

More serious side effects can occur, particularly with excessive intake or interaction with other medications. These can include hallucinations, seizures, rapid heartbeat, and changes in heart rhythm. It is critical to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications you are taking, especially MAO inhibitors (a class of antidepressants), as combining them with Dextromethorphan can cause a serious, potentially fatal, drug interaction.

Patients with certain conditions should consult a doctor before using Kafosed, including those with:

Asthma or other lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis
Liver or kidney disease
A cough that produces a lot of mucus
A history of substance abuse, as long-term use may lead to dependence

Kafosed vs. Other Cough Medications

Cough medications can be broadly categorized into antitussives (cough suppressants) and expectorants. Kafosed, containing only Dextromethorphan, is a pure antitussive. This makes it different from many combination cold and flu products that might include other active ingredients.


Feature	Kafosed (Dextromethorphan)	Guaifenesin (Expectorant)	Combination Products
Primary Action	Suppresses the urge to cough (Antitussive)	Loosens mucus and phlegm to make coughs more productive (Expectorant)	Can include an antitussive, expectorant, pain reliever, and/or decongestant
Best For	Dry, hacking, non-productive coughs	Wet, productive, chesty coughs	Multiple symptoms (e.g., cough, congestion, fever)
Active Ingredient(s)	Dextromethorphan	Guaifenesin	Multiple, such as Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine
Mechanism	Acts on the brain's cough center	Increases the volume and reduces the viscosity of secretions in the respiratory tract.	Varies based on ingredients.

Conclusion

In summary, Kafosed is an effective over-the-counter medication for managing the symptoms of a dry, irritating cough. Its active ingredient, Dextromethorphan, works by centrally suppressing the body's cough reflex. While generally safe and effective when used as directed, it is important for users to be aware of potential side effects, and crucial drug interactions, particularly with MAO inhibitors. Consulting with a healthcare provider is always recommended to ensure it is the right choice for your specific symptoms and health condition.

For more information on the active ingredient, you can visit the Dextromethorphan page on MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kafosed is used for the symptomatic relief of dry, non-productive coughs, which are coughs that do not produce phlegm or mucus.

The active ingredient in Kafosed syrup is Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide.

Kafosed works by suppressing the cough reflex. Its active ingredient, Dextromethorphan, acts on the cough center in the brain to decrease the urge to cough.

Kafosed is generally recommended for adults and children 12 years and older. For children under 12, you should consult a physician before use.

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. It is advised not to drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.

Kafosed is an antitussive designed for dry coughs. For a wet, productive cough, an expectorant like Guaifenesin, which helps loosen mucus, may be more appropriate. You should consult a pharmacist or doctor.

Yes, a very serious interaction can occur if Kafosed (Dextromethorphan) is taken with or within two weeks of taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of antidepressant.