Generic name:

Robitussin Cough & Cold Products

Pronounced: ROW-bi-TUSS-in

Other brand names: Children's Sudafed Cold & Cough Liquid, Pediacare Long-Acting Cough Plus Cold Liquid

What this drug is used for

Robitussin Cough & Cold products provide temporary relief from cough and stuffy nose. The "Maximum Strength" formulation is for adults and older children. The "Pediatric" formula is mainly for younger kids, as are the comparable Sudafed and Pediacare products. All of these products come only in liquid form.

How should you take this medication?

* ROBITUSSIN MAXIMUM STRENGTH COUGH & COLD
Doses may be repeated every 6 hours. Do not take more than 4 doses a day.

* ROBITUSSIN PEDIATRIC COUGH & COLD FORMULA / CHILDREN'S SUDAFED COLD & COUGH LIQUID
Doses may be repeated every 6 hours (4 hours for the Children's Sudafed product). Do not give more than 4 doses a day.

Age 12 and over: 4 teaspoonfuls
Age 6 to 12: 2 teaspoonfuls
Age 2 to 6: 1 teaspoonful
Under age 2: Consult a doctor

* PEDIACARE COUGH & COLD LIQUID
Doses may be repeated every 6 to 8 hours. Do not give more than 4 doses a day. Check with your doctor before giving this product to children under 2.

Age 11: 3 teaspoonfuls
Age 9 to 10: 2-1/2 teaspoonfuls
Age 6 to 8: 2 teaspoonfuls
Age 4 to 5: 1-1/2 teaspoonfuls
Age 2 to 3: 1 teaspoonful
Age 12 to 23 months: 1/2 teaspoonful

Do not take this medication if...

Avoid these products if you are taking a prescription drug classified as an "MAO inhibitor" (see "Possible food and drug interactions..." below).

Unless your doctor approves, do not take 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 check with your doctor before using these products if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or an enlarged prostate gland.

Special warnings about this medication

If you become dizzy or nervous, or have trouble sleeping, stop taking the product and check with your doctor. Do likewise if your symptoms don't improve within 7 days or are accompanied by a fever, or if your cough lasts more than a week, tends to come back, or is accompanied by a fever, rash, or lasting headache. A lingering cough could signal a serious condition.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

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