Pharmacy Commission

Dextromethorphan Product List

Chapter 69.75 RCW requires retailers to verify the purchaser's age of over-the-counter products containing dextromethorphan (DXM). Effective July 1, 2015

Frequently asked questions

Where may retailers find a list of finished products containing dextromethorphan (DXM)?

A link to a list of products containing dextromethorphan (DXM) is located on this page or on the FDA's National Drug Code Directory webpage. If reviewing the list on the FDA's page, please use the search criteria "Nonproprietary Name", and "Dextromethorphan".

When a retailer sells or pharmacy products containing dextromethorphan (DXM), what documents are acceptable to verify a purchaser's age?

Any document issued by a government agency that contains a description or photograph of the person and gives the person's date of birth. Such documents include a passport, military identification card or driver's license.

Who is restricted from purchasing products containing dextromethorphan (DXM)?

It's unlawful for any person who is less than 18 years old to purchase products contacting DXM. This age restriction doesn't apply to a person under 18 who provides proof of being actively enrolled in the military and presents a valid military identification card; or provides proof of emancipation.

What must a retailer do before selling over-the-counter products containing dextromethorphan (DXM)?

A retailer must require and obtain proof of age from any purchaser of DXM products before completing the sale, unless the purchaser's outward appearance would reasonably be presumed to be 25 years old or older.

Are retailers required to log sales of products containing dextromethorphan (DXM) or to store these products out of the reach of the consumer?

No. Retailers are required to manually obtain and verify proof of age as a condition of the sale of DXM products. Retailers aren't required to record the sale in a transaction logbook, and retailers aren't required to place the product in a specific place within the store restricting consumers' direct access.

Are there penalties if a retailer, manufacturer or distributor, whose employees or representatives, during the course of their employment or association with the retailer, manufacturer, or distributor, sells or trades dextromethorphan (DXM) in violation of the law by not obtaining and verifying the purchaser's age?

Violation of RCW 69.75.020 by unlawful sales will result in a written warning by law enforcement for the first offense. For any subsequent offense, the manufacturer, distributor or retailer is guilty of a class 1 civil infraction per RCW 7.80.120, except for any manufacturer, distributor or retailer who demonstrates a good faith effort to comply with the requirements of the law.