Is DXM legal in Canada?
- Legal status
- Over-the-counter, non-prescription drug. Single-ingredient dextromethorphan (DXM)/DXM hydrobromide antitussives are sold under Health Canada's non-prescription adult antitussive labelling standard (maximum 120 mg per 24 h) with a Drug Identification Number; DXM is NOT scheduled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
- Consequences if caught
- No CDSA controlled-substance offence; supply must meet the non-prescription labelling standard, and non-compliant products are a Food and Drugs Act matter.
- If prescribed or medical
- Cough-suppressant status: OTC non-prescription drug (labelled maximum 120 mg per 24 h).
- Documentation
- DXM cough medicine is sold on pharmacy and retail shelves in Canada without a prescription.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Canada’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →