Can You Take Benadryl And Robitussin Together?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be safely taken with Robitussin (dextromethorphan) as there is no interaction between the two drugs.

I do want to point out that although "Robitussin" is generally associated with the drug dextromethorphan, Robitussin is itself a brand name.

A variety of over-the-counter cough/cold products use that name, many of which contain different ingredients.

Below, I list the most common Robitussin products, their ingredients, and whether or not they can be used with Benadryl.

Robitussin Family Of Products With Benadryl

Robitussin Cough & Chest Congestion DM

• Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
• Guaifenesin (expectorant)

Robitussin Cough & Chest Congestion DM is safe to take with Benadryl and there is no interaction between the two.

Robitussin Night Time Cough DM

• Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
• Doxylamine (sedating antihistamine)

Benadryl should not be taken with Robitussin Night Time Cough DM.

This Robitussin product already contains a sedating, first-generation antihistamine (doxylamine) and therefore Benadryl should not be needed.

Taking both together may cause excess sedation and side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, etc...

Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief

• Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)

Benadryl is safe to take with Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief

Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold & Flu

• Acetaminophen (analgesic)
• Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
• Guaifenesin (expectorant)
• Phenylephrine (nasal decongestant)

Benadryl is safe to take with Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold & Flu.

Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold & Flu Nighttime

• Acetaminophen (analgesic)
• Diphenhydramine (sedating antihistamine)
• Phenylephrine (nasal decongestant)

Benadryl should not be taken with Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold & Flu Nighttime. The product already contains Benadryl (diphenhydramine).

Robitussin Severe Cough & Sore Throat

• Acetaminophen (analgesic)
• Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)

Benadryl is safe to take with Robitussin Severe Cough & Sore Throat

Robitussin Multi-Symptom Cold CF

• Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant)
• Guaifenesin (expectorant)
• Phenylephrine (nasal decongestant)

Benadryl is safe to take Robitussin Multi-Symptom Cold CF.

Summary

As shown above, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is safe to take with most Robitussin products. Benadryl should only be avoided with Robitussin products that already contain an antihistamine. Robitussin products that contain an antihistamine include:

• Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold & Flu Nighttime
• Robitussin Night Time Cough DM

Benadryl is safe to take with all other Robitussin products.