Robitussin

Guaifenesin is the active ingredient in Robitussin that thins and loosens the mucus and phlegm. This makes it easier to cough them out and clear chest congestion.

Guaifenesin is commonly found in combination products along with a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) under brand names such as Robitussin DM, Robitussin Cough+Chest Congestion DM, or Mucinex DM.

Robitussin is taken orally in a variety of forms such as tablets, capsules, liquid solutions, tongue strips, or soft chews either with or without food. Drinking plenty of fluids is encouraged while taking Robitussin unless directed otherwise.

Follow all directions and recommendations given by your healthcare professional or pharmacist and read all sources provided, including prescribing information, FDA-Approved Product Labelling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before use. Ask for further clarification if needed.

However, the general guidelines for the use of Robitussin are 2-4 teaspoons of liquid solution for adults every 4 hours and 1-2 teaspoons of liquid solution for children every 4 hours. You can also take 1-2 tablets, capsules, or soft chews every 4 hours or every 12 hours for maximum-strength products. Do not exceed more than 6 doses in a 24-hour period; 4 doses for maximum strength products.

Side effects are not commonly seen when Robitussin is used as directed. However, some possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache

More serious side effects may include:

• Taking too much medication, which can lead to serious side effects.
• Moreover, a severe allergic reaction to this Robitussin is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as the following:
• Skin rash or itching
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe dizziness

These are not all of the possible side effects of Robitussin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Robitussin, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its active or inactive ingredients such as sodium benzoate or FD&C Red No. 40. Your medical history should also be provided, especially if you or a family member have experienced the following:

• Breathing problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.
• Diabetes
• Glaucoma
• Heart conditions
• High blood pressure
• Kidney conditions
• Liver disease
• Seizures
• Stomach or intestinal conditions such as ulcers or constipation.
• Hyperthyroidism
• Enlarged prostate
• Moreover, Robitussin may cause drowsiness or dizziness. The use of alcohol or marijuana/cannabis products may exacerbate these symptoms. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform activities that require alertness until they can be done safely.
• Certain Robitussin products such as the liquid solution, the chewable tablets, or the dissolving tablets and strips may contain ingredients such as sugar or aspartame, including Robitussin Honey. The liquid products may also contain alcohol. Inform your healthcare provider if you have medical conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or consume an excessive amount of alcohol as caution may be advised.
• Both children and older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Robitussin products.

Dextromethorphan should not be used in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or who have taken MAOIs within a previous 14-day period as it may increase the risk of serious side effects such as hypertensive crisis, hyperpyrexia, and convulsions.

Patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants should also avoid taking dextromethorphan as it may cause mental changes, hypertension, restlessness, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering, and tremors.

Robitussin is absorbed rather quickly and begins taking effect between 15-30 minutes. The full effect may be felt between 2-4 hours and may last between 4-6 hours.

When Robitussin is taken with other medications, it can interfere with the efficacy and possibly cause or worsen side effects. Consult with your healthcare provider if any medications or supplements you are currently taking may interact adversely with Robitussin.

For short-acting Robitussin products such as tablets, capsules, liquid solution, or cough syrup, the following doses are available:

• 200 to 400 mg every four hours for adult products.
• 100 to 200 mg every four hours for children 6-12 years of age.
• 50 to 100 mg every four hours for children 4-6 years of age.

For long-acting Robitussin products such as Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough tablets or capsules, the following doses are available:

• 600 to 1200 mg every twelve hours for adult products.
• 600 mg every twelve hours for children 6-12 years of age.
• 300 mg every twelve hours for children 4-6 years of age.

Robitussin should be stored at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius/68-77 degrees Fahrenheit), preferably in the kitchen cabinet rather than the bathroom cabinet, as light and humidity can affect the efficacy. Once opened, Robitussin can remain at room temperature and does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. Keep out of the reach of children.

Robitussin is currently manufactured by Haleon.

Guaifenesin is considered the generic version of Robitussin.

Guaifenesin can be stopped immediately without tapering. However, talk to your healthcare provider before discontinuing any medication they have recommended for you.

Guaifenesin is generally considered safe to take while pregnant. However, check the label and talk to your provider before taking Robitussin or any cold or cough medicine because it may contain other medications that could harm your unborn baby.

Many cough and cold medicines including Robitussin are generally considered a safe medicine to use while breastfeeding. However, talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.