Is DXM legal in New Zealand?
- Legal status
- Over-the-counter, pharmacy-only medicine. Under the Medicines Regulations 1984 classification schedules, dextromethorphan (DXM) in liquid form in packs of not more than 600 mg and a maximum recommended daily dose of 120 mg (adults and children 6+) is a Pharmacy-Only Medicine (Schedule 3); DXM is not a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
- Consequences if caught
- No Misuse of Drugs Act offence; DXM must be supplied within the pharmacy-only classification and pack-size limit, and non-compliant sale is a Medicines Act breach.
- If prescribed or medical
- Cough-suppressant status: OTC pharmacy-only medicine, capped at 600 mg per pack and 120 mg daily dose.
- Documentation
- DXM cough medicine is bought at an NZ pharmacy without a prescription, subject to the 600 mg pack limit.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with New Zealand’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 →