Robitussin DM With Eliquis Interaction

There is no known drug interaction between Eliquis and Robitussin DM.

2 min read Updated Jun 2026 Read by 11,393 people
Robitussin DM With Eliquis Interaction
Share
Leo asked

Can I take Robitussin DM for cough and chest congestion while on Eliquis?

Oct 29, 2022
The quick answer
  • Robitussin DM is safe to take with Eliquis because neither guaifenesin nor dextromethorphan affect bleeding risk.
  • Unlike some OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen, Robitussin DM does not increase the risk of bleeding when combined with Eliquis.
  • It's still a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new OTC medication with Eliquis.
A quick summary of Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD's full answer below, condensed by AI from that answer only (not from any outside source). The pharmacist's answer is the source of record.

Answer

There is no known drug interaction between Eliquis (Apixaban) and Robitussin DM (guaifenesin; dextromethorphan). They are considered safe to take together.

Eliquis OTC Interactions

Checking into potential drug interaction between prescription and 'over the counter' (OTC) cough/cold medications is always a good idea, especially when one of the medications is a blood thinner, like Eliquis.

For example, it is recommended to avoid several OTC pain relievers if you take Eliquis, including Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen). The combination of these drugs can significantly increase the risk of bleeds.

Neither guaifenesin, an expectorant, nor dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, are thought to affect bleeding risk at all. They are considered safe with Eliquis (and other blood thinners for that matter, like warfarin).

One of the benefits of Eliquis over traditional anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin), is that it has more predictable effects and has but a fraction of the numerous food and drug interactions you need to be concerned about.

Always Ask Your Doctor Or Pharmacist Before Combining Eliquis With OTC Medications

While Eliquis is safe with Robitussin DM, below is a list of OTC medications you should not take with it until speaking with your doctor:

  • Aspirin
  • Excedrin
  • Advil (ibuprofen)
  • Aleve (naproxen)
  • Pepto-Bismol
  • MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
  • Cod liver oil
  • Collagenase
  • Fish oil
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Gingko
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Green tea
  • Guarana
  • Alli (Orlistat)
  • St. John's Wort

All of the above could potentially increase bleeding risk with Eliquis. As mentioned, however, Robitussin DM is not known to interact with it and is considered safe to take.

Final Words

Thanks so much for reaching out and I hope you found this helpful.

Additional Information

More information about Eliquis can be found here:

You can always ask our pharmacists a question directly as well.

References & sources
  1. Eliquis Prescribing Information — BMS
  2. Apixaban Monograph — PubChem
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
Eliquis
A prescription blood thinner medication used to prevent blood clots.
Anticoagulants
Medications that prevent blood from clotting or reduce clot formation.
Expectorant
A type of cough medicine that helps thin mucus to make it easier to cough up.
Dextromethorphan
A cough suppressant ingredient that reduces the urge to cough.
Drug interaction
A situation where two medications affect each other's effectiveness or safety when taken together.
Bleeding risk
The likelihood of excessive bleeding or bruising occurring as a side effect of medication.
Warfarin
A traditional prescription blood thinner medication that requires careful monitoring.
Guaifenesin
An expectorant cough medicine that helps loosen mucus in the respiratory tract.
Did this answer your question?
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
About the pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacy

Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified

Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...

More answers from Brian →
Ask a Pharmacist