Cold/Cough Agent

Recently Answered

• QWhy would I take cough syrup with an expectorant and a suppressant?

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  A Dr. Jill A. Grimes, MD , Family Medicine, answered

  Ever wonder why some cough syrups have an expectorant (guaifenisen) and a cough suppressant? Do you want to loosen it up and cough it out, or stop the cough? Well, actually, a combination of expectorant and cough suppressant is not bad. It stops the annoying little throat tickle type cough, but allows you to cough effectively to clear your lungs.
• QWhat side effects does Guaifenesin with Dextromethorphan cause?

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  A MediGuard answered

  Based on information from iGuard.org, a free medication monitoring service, 15% of patients experience side effects while taking Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, Tussin DM). Some of the side effects reported by iGuard members include: Insomnia, and Dryness. Please follow up with your doctor or other healthcare provider if you are experiencing any symptoms that worsen or do not go away.
• QWhat are the side effects of Dilex-G 400?

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  A MediGuard answered

  The most common side effects of Dilex-G 400 are related to the dyphylline component of the drug - it may cause chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeats, headache, difficulty sleeping, irritability, or restlessness.
• QDo cough suppressants work to get rid of a cough?

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  A Dr. Gerard W. Frank, MD , Pulmonary Disease, answered on behalf of UCLA Health

  Cough suppressants are not meant to be used for long periods of time but can be effective in alleviating coughs.
  
  One cough suppressant is Mucinex, which contains the same medicine as Robitussin -- guaifenesin, which is actually an expectorant. Expectorants are designed to help loosen thick mucus that can't be coughed up.
  
  Narcotics, such as codeine, will also suppress coughs. A number of cough medicines contain codeine. A number of cough medicines also contain dextromethorphan or DM; this is not a narcotic, but it works as well as codeine. The most commonly used cough suppressant is Phenergan with DM. Phenergan is an antihistamine, so this drug provides both the antihistamine effect and the dextromethorphan suppressant effect. The problem with antihistamines is that they can make you sleepy. They should not be used during the day, particularly if you have to drive or go to work. Tessalon Perles is a little gelatin capsule that suppresses coughs, but it contains no antihistamine or narcotics to make you drowsy.
• QHow can antitussives relieve flu symptoms?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  An antitussive, or a cough suppressant, is a medication often recommended for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms. Usually, a cough resulting from the cold or flu will go away on its own. However, if a cough is keeping you up at night or is uncomfortable, you should consider taking an antitussive. Antitussives help your cough by deterring your cough reflex. Antitussive is sometimes used in combination with an expectorant that helps to thin mucus.
  
  
• QWhat is fexofenadine?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Fexofenadine is a prescription antihistamine. It treats both hay fever and hives by blocking histamines. It is used widely to treat symptoms including sneezing, watery eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose, and rashes caused by allergens.

• QWhat should I know about fexofenadine before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Fexofenadine is a widely used drug that is even taken by many children, however, ketoconazole and erythromycin medications may cause increased side effects from fexofenadine, so you should talk to your doctor if you take those drugs. Older people are also usually more sensitive to fexofenadine and should be careful of side effects. Pregnant and breast-feeding women may also choose not to take fexofenadine, as research is as yet incomplete on its effects.

• QWhat are the side effects of fexofenadine?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Common side effects of fexofenadine include: upset stomach or vomiting, dizziness or headaches, aches and pains, menstrual pain, cough and diarrhea. These generally do not require a doctor's visit unless they become severe. More serious side effects include: facial swelling, swelling of extremities and other signs of an allergic reaction. If you are taking fexofenadine and experience these or other worrisome side effects, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
  
  
• QAre there any risks in taking fexofenadine?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  There is a risk of severe reaction if you are allergic to fexofenadine, and side effects may occur in older people and young children more often. Dizziness is the biggest risk for adults, and drinking alcohol while taking fexofenadine can increase this danger. Driving or performing other precision tasks may be more difficult on fexofenadine.
  
  
• QWho should take fexofenadine?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Fexofenadine is intended for people who suffer from hay fever or rashes due to seasonal allergies. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should probably avoid fexofenadine. There are no studies that demonstrate safety or efficacy in pregnant or breastfeeding women.