Is Cough Medicine Safe With Tamiflu?

Answer

Yes, over-the-counter cough medicine is safe to take with Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate). This includes two of the more common cough medications available, dextromethorphan and guaifenesin.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant while guaifenesin is an expectorant, which helps to thin and loosen mucus secretions.

Both are available, alone or in combination, in many products, including:

• Mucinex DM (Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin)
• DayQuil (Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine)
• Theraflu (several formulations)
• Delsym (Dextromethorphan)
• Robitussin (Guaifenesin)
• Robitussin DM (Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin)

Tamiflu is safe to use with all of the above medications.

Tamiflu Has Few Drug Interactions

Tamiflu has very few drug interactions. The prescribing information states the following:

"Low protein binding of oseltamivir [Tamiflu] and oseltamivir carboxylate [Tamiflu metabolite] suggests that the probability of drug displacement interactions is low. In vitro studies demonstrate that neither oseltamivir nor oseltamivir carboxylate is a good substrate for P450 mixed-function oxidases or for glucuronyl transferases."

The only two known drug interactions with Tamiflu are with:

• Live intranasal Influenza Vaccine: The live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) should not be used 2 weeks before or 48 hours after administration of Tamiflu as antiviral drugs (like Tamiflu) can inhibit viral replication and reduce vaccine efficacy.

• Probenecid: Coadministration of Tamiflu and probenecid results in a two-fold increase in Tamiflu concentrations. However, the prescribing information for Tamiflu states that no dosage adjustments are required due to the safety margin of the drug.

Based on all available data and drug interaction studies, you can feel safe using cough medication with Tamiflu.

About Tamiflu

Tamiflu is an antiviral medicine, classified as a neuraminidase inhibitor. It is used to prevent and treat some kinds of influenza or the flu. It will not work for colds or other viral infections.

Tamiflu should be taken as soon as flu symptoms develop as the benefit is greatest when initiated early. The FDA-approved labeling recommends starting Tamiflu within 48 hours of influenza symptom onset (for treatment) or close contact with an infected individual (post-exposure prophylaxis).

It may be taken orally with or without food.

Tamiflu is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, which usually occur during the first 2 days of treatment.

Final Words

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