Is DXM legal in Australia?
- Legal status
- Over-the-counter medicine. Single-ingredient dextromethorphan (DXM) hydrobromide oral preparations are marketed under the TGA's OTC medicine monograph for temporary relief of dry cough; DXM was unaffected by the 2018 codeine up-scheduling and is not a controlled/Schedule 8 drug under the Poisons Standard (SUSMP).
- Consequences if caught
- No controlled-drug offence for DXM; sale must comply with the OTC monograph and state poisons law, and non-compliant supply is a therapeutic-goods offence.
- If prescribed or medical
- Cough-suppressant status: OTC — pharmacy/general-sale antitussive per the TGA OTC medicine monograph; no prescription required.
- Documentation
- DXM cough medicine is bought over the counter in Australian pharmacies without a prescription.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Australia’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
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