Taking Robitussin DM With Allegra
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not there is a drug interaction between Robitussin DM and Allegra.
Can I take Robitussin Cough and Chest with Allegra?
Oct 06, 2022- There is no known drug interaction between Robitussin DM and Allegra, and they are safe to take together.
- Taking both medications together can help relieve more cold and flu symptoms than taking either one alone.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out to us! There is no known drug interaction between Robitussin DM (dextromethorphan; guaifenesin) and Allegra (fexofenadine). They are considered safe to take together.
Taking both can help cover more symptoms of a cold/flu (e.g. runny nose, cough, chest congestion, watery eyes etc...) than either drug alone.
What Is Robitussin DM?
Robitussin DM contains two drugs:
- Dextromethorphan
- Guaifenesin
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant used to temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions. It will relieve a cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or speed recovery.
Dextromethorphan is in a class of medications called antitussives. It works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant and is used to relieve chest congestion. It is in a class of medications called expectorants and works by thinning the mucus in the air passages to make it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways.
What Is Allegra?
Allegra (fexofenadine) is used to relieve the allergy symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (''hay fever''), including runny nose; sneezing; red, itchy, or watery eyes; or itching of the nose, throat, or roof of the mouth in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It is also used to relieve symptoms of urticaria (hives; red, itchy raised areas of the skin), including itching and rash in adults and children 6 months of age and older.
Allegra is in a class of medications called antihistamines and works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
Combined Use
As mentioned, it is perfectly safe to combine Robitussin DM and Allegra. In fact, Allegra can be combined with most cough/cold medications as long as the other medication doesn't already contain an antihistamine.
Final Words
Thanks again for reaching out to us! I hope you found this helpful.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Dextromethorphan
- A cough suppressant medication that works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.
- Guaifenesin
- An expectorant medication that thins mucus in the airways to make it easier to cough up and clear congestion.
- Antitussives
- A class of medications used to suppress or relieve coughing.
- Expectorants
- A class of medications that help thin and clear mucus from the airways.
- Fexofenadine
- An antihistamine medication used to relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
- Antihistamines
- A class of medications that block the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Allergic inflammation of the nose and airways that occurs during certain seasons, commonly known as hay fever.
- Urticaria
- A skin condition characterized by red, itchy, raised areas of the skin, commonly known as hives.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
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...
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