The commission that oversees US presidential debates says it will change the format to ensure the remaining two encounters between Donald Trump and Joe Biden are more orderly.
One new measure could be to cut the microphones if the candidates try to interrupt each other, US media report.
The announcement followed Tuesday’s ill-tempered debate that descended into squabbling, bickering and insults.
President Trump’s team has already criticised the commission’s plans.
The tone and tactics of the first presidential debate were criticised across the US and around the world.
The fallout, however, has also been dominated by remarks Mr Trump made about a far-right group called the Proud Boys.
On Wednesday he sought to clarify his comments, but his critics maintain he has refused to condemn white supremacists.
