Brand name:

Robitussin-DM

Pronounced: ROW-bi-TUSS-in

Generic ingredients: Dextromethorphan hydrobromide, Guaifenesin

Other brand name: Robitussin Sugar Free Cough, Safe Tussin 30, Vicks 44E

What this drug is used for

These products share the same pair of ingredients. All relieve coughs due to the common cold and help loosen bronchial mucus, making it easier to cough up.

The products come in liquid form. Vicks 44E comes in regular and pediatric strengths. Robitussin-DM is also available in infant drops.

How should you take this medication?

* ROBITUSSIN-DM AND ROBITUSSIN SUGAR FREE COUGH
Doses can be repeated every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 6 doses each 24 hours.

Adults
For adults and children 12 years and over, the usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls.

Children
For children 6 to 12, the usual dose is 1 teaspoonful. For children 2 to 6, give half a teaspoonful. For children under 2, consult your doctor.

* ROBITUSSIN DM INFANT DROPS
Doses may be repeated every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 6 per day. For children 2 to 6, the usual dose is 2.5 milliliters. For children under 2, check with a doctor.

* SAFE TUSSIN 30
Doses can be repeated every 6 hours, up to a maximum of 4 doses each 24 hours.

Adults
For adults and children 12 years and over, the usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls.

Children
For children 6 to 12, the usual dose is 1 teaspoonful. For children 2 to 6, give half a teaspoonful. For children under 2, consult your doctor.

* VICKS 44E
Doses can be repeated every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 6 doses each 24 hours.

Adults
For adults and children 12 years and over, the usual dose is 3 teaspoonfuls.

Children
For children 6 to 12, the usual dose is one and a half teaspoonfuls. For children under 6, consult your doctor.

* PEDIATRIC VICKS 44E
Doses can be repeated every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 6 doses each 24 hours.
For those 12 years and over, the usual dose is 2 tablespoonfuls. For children 6 to 12, give 1 tablespoonful; and for children 2 to 6, give half a tablespoonful. Consult your doctor for children under 2.

* STORAGE
Store at room temperature.

Do not take this medication if...

Get your doctor's approval before using these products for the type of lasting cough that results from smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or for coughs that bring up large amounts of mucus. Also avoid these products if any has given you a bad reaction.

Some of these products contain sodium. Check with your doctor if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Special warnings about this medication

If your cough doesn't improve within 7 days or tends to come back--or if you also have a fever, rash, or lasting headache--stop using these products and check with your doctor. A lingering cough could signal a serious condition.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Do not use any of these products within 2 weeks of taking a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.