PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 520.
Congressional Research Service
Version 79 · Reported to House without amendment · Jul 8, 2016
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
DXM Abuse Prevention Act of 2015
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the sale of a drug containing dextromethorphan (DXM, a cough suppressant and drug of abuse) to an individual under age 18 unless the individual has a prescription or is actively enrolled in the military. Retailers selling DXM must implement a verification system to ensure compliance. Civil monetary penalties that escalate upon repeated violation are imposed.
(Sec. 3) Unfinished DXM may only be possessed by, distributed to, and received by persons registered with the Food and Drug Administration as producers of a drug or medical device or otherwise allowed to engage in the practice of pharmacy, pharmaceutical production, or manufacture or distribution of drug ingredients. Common carriers distributing unfinished DXM between authorized persons are exempted. Civil monetary penalties are imposed for possession and distribution violations.
People & committees
Rep. Johnson, Bill [R-OH-6] · R–OH
Legislative record
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Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 520.
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 114-672.
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 114-672.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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