What Cough Medication Is Safe While On Dialysis?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses over-the-counter cough medications that are safe to use while undergoing dialysis.
My husband is on dialysis 3 days a week. I was wondering what is the best over-the-counter cough medicine that he can take.
Oct 10, 2022- Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are safe over-the-counter cough medications for people on dialysis and do not require dosage adjustments.
- Common safe brand names include Delsym, Robitussin, Mucinex, and combination products containing dextromethorphan and guaifenesin.
- Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any new medication while on dialysis.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out to us. Great question! It is always a good idea to look into the safety of medications if you are undergoing dialysis or have any sort of kidney impairment. It's not uncommon that a particular medication may not be safe, or dosage adjustments are needed.
In terms of cough medications, fortunately, many safe options are available over the counter for those on dialysis.
Safe Over The Counter Cough Medications - Dialysis
Dextromethorphan (brand name Delsym) is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter medications for cough and it is considered to be safe to use in those undergoing dialysis.
Based on the data available, dosage adjustments are not needed for dextromethorphan for those with kidney impairment.
Additionally, there have been no case studies linking adverse reactions in those taking dextromethorphan while on dialysis. One case report did report toxicity in one patient, but it appears the toxicity was not related to any problems with kidney function.
In addition to dextromethorphan, the expectorant guaifenesin (brand name Mucinex) is safe to use in those with kidney impairment or undergoing dialysis.
Below are some common brand names of cough medications that are safe to use are:
- Delsym (dextromethorphan)
- Robitussin (dextromethorphan)
- Robitussin DM (dextromethorphan & guaifenesin)
- Mucinex (guaifenesin)
- Mucinex DM (dextromethorphan & guaifenesin)
Final Words
Thanks again for your question! You can feel safe using dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, or both, as they are safe for the situation you described.
If you have any questions about other medications, please feel free to reach back out!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Dialysis
- A medical treatment that filters waste and excess water from the blood when the kidneys cannot do this on their own.
- Kidney impairment
- A condition where the kidneys are not working properly and cannot filter waste and fluids as they should.
- Dosage adjustments
- Changes made to the amount of medication a person takes to ensure it remains safe and effective for their specific health condition.
- Dextromethorphan
- An active ingredient commonly used in over-the-counter cough medications to suppress cough.
- Expectorant
- A medication that helps thin and loosen mucus so it can be coughed up more easily.
- Guaifenesin
- A common expectorant ingredient found in cough medicines that helps clear mucus from the airways.
- Adverse reactions
- Negative or harmful effects that occur in a person taking a medication.
- Toxicity
- A condition where a substance causes poisoning or harmful effects in the body.
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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