Benylin

Benylin is a brand name owned by Johnson and Johnson for a range of cough, cold, and flu medications. The flagship cough syrup and cold care brand is marketed in several countries as Benylin DM, for its active ingredient, dextromethorphan. However the range of products available in both solid dosage and liquid forms have formulations with multiple ingredients including pseudoephedrine, acetaminophen and guaifenisin.

The clinical evidence for the efficacy of dextromethorphan (particularly in children) is lacking. The relevant Cochrane report states "There is no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of [ over-the-counter ] medicines in acute cough".

As with other cough medications containing dextromethorphan controversy has arisen over recreational use of the drug, especially in countries where it is sold without prescription or age restrictions such as in the UK. In the UK there is concern over a growing number of young recreational users of the brand Benylin amongst others.