Cold/Cough Agent

Recently Answered

• 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.
  
  
• 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.
• 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 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.
  
  
• 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.

• QHow does fexofenadine interact with other medications or foods?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Drinking apple, grapefruit, or orange juice when taking fexofenadine may make it less effective. As for medications, ketoconazole and erythromycin medications may cause increased side effects from fexofenadine, so you should talk to your doctor if you take those drugs. Taking an antacid at the same time as fexofenadine may also have negative effects, but your doctor will be able to tell you when you can take both safely. Some other medications and supplements may also interact with fexofenadine; be sure to discuss your current medications with your doctor before taking this drug.

• 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.
  
  
• QWhat happens if I miss a dose of fexofenadine?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  It is important to try not to miss any doses for fexofenadine to provide its maximum benefit, but if you do miss a dose, you should take that dose as soon as you can. Your allergy symptoms may return or become worse as the drug leaves your system. However, if your next dose is coming up soon, do not take two doses; simply skip the dose you missed and take your next dose on schedule. You should keep taking fexofenadine on your original dosing schedule even if you do miss a dose.

• QHow should I take fexofenadine?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when it comes to taking fexofenadine and all other prescription medicines. You should take each tablet orally with a full glass of water. Also, drink water when taking the liquid suspension. Drinking fruit juice instead of water may make fexofenadine less effective. You do not have to take it with food, but may choose to do so if you have a sensitive stomach. Take fexofenadine on a regular schedule for best results, and never take more or less than your prescribed dose.

• QWhat should I avoid while taking fexofenadine?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Use caution if you must drive or do other potentially dangerous precision activities while using fexofenadine. Avoid drinking fruit juice and taking antacids at the same time as fexofenadine; you may be able to take them at other points in the day, but ask your doctor first. Ketoconazole and erythromycin medications should also be avoided if possible.