Skip to content
PharmaInsight

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide vs Diphenhydramine hydrochloride/pholcodine

National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Data updated March 2026

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide was dispensed 159.0× as often as Diphenhydramine hydrochloride/pholcodine in March 2026 — 159 items versus 1 in England.

159items

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide · March 2026

NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis

1items

Diphenhydramine hydrochloride/pholcodine · March 2026

NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis

Figure 1. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide versus Diphenhydramine hydrochloride/pholcodine: national items dispensed by month

▬ Dextromethorphan hydrobromide   ·   ╌ Diphenhydramine hydrochloride/pholcodine

Diphenhydramine… 159

Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to March 2026

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide versus Diphenhydramine hydrochloride/pholcodine, March 2026
Measure Dextromethorphan hydrobromide Diphenhydramine hydrochloride/pholcodine
Items, March 2026 159 1
Items, last 12 months 1,848 1
Net ingredient cost, March 2026 £1,129 £3

See the full profile for Dextromethorphan hydrobromide or Diphenhydramine hydrochloride/pholcodine.