What do Robitussin products treat?
Robitussin products are commonly used to treat cough and chest congestion. The main active ingredients in most products are guaifenesin and dextromethorphan Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps break up chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant.
Some products may also or alternatively contain the following to treat other symptoms. Click on an ingredient below if you need more information about it.
- Pain reliever/fever reducer (acetaminophen) for fever and pain, including headache, sore throat, and body aches
- Antihistamine (chlorpheniramine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine) for itchy/watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose, itching of the nose or throat, and to control cough to help you sleep
- Oral anesthetic (menthol) for sore throat
There are products for adults and children as young as 4 years old.
What are the most common side effects of Robitussin products?
Any medicine may cause an allergic reaction, which can be serious or life-threatening. Stop taking the medicine and get medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Some possible side effects include.
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or constipation
- Confusion
- Nervousness
Since cough and cold products contain different active ingredients (listed below), review the ingredients in your specific product to understand which side effects you might experience.
What should I know before using Robitussin products?
Most Robitussin products should not be used if you are taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI. An MAOI is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease. If you do not know if your prescription medicine contains an MAOI, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Check with a healthcare provider before use if you have any of the following conditions.
- Cough with excessive mucus
- Chronic cough such as one that occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema
- Pregnant or breast-feeding
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare provider about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Which product is right for my symptoms?
Use the tables below to help you find the best product to treat your symptoms.
Cough
Active ingredients:
- Cough suppressant: dextromethorphan
Product | Adult Robitussin Long-Acting CoughGels |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid-filled capsules |
| Dosing Frequency | 6-8 hours |
Features | Non-drowsy |
Cough and Chest Congestion
Active ingredients:
- Cough suppressant: dextromethorphan
- Expectorant: guaifenesin
Product | Adult Robitussin DM Elderberry Cough + Chest Congestion Maximum Strength Liquid |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Elderberry flavor; Non-drowsy |
Product | Adult Robitussin DM Honey Cough + Chest Congestion Maximum Strength Liquid |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Honey flavor; Non-drowsy |
Product | Adult Robitussin DM Maximum Strength Cough + Chest Congestion Liquid |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Raspberry flavor; Non-drowsy |
Product | Adult Robitussin DM Maximum Strength Cough + Chest Congestion Liquid-Filled Capsules |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid-filled capsules |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Non-drowsy |
Product | Adult Robitussin DM Cough + Chest Congestion Liquid |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Raspberry flavor; Non-drowsy |
Product | Children's Robitussin DM Cough & Chest Congestion Liquid |
| Age | 4 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Grape flavor; Non-drowsy |
Product | Children's Robitussin DM Honey Cough & Chest Congestion Liquid |
| Age | 4 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Honey flavor; Non-drowsy |
Product | Children's Robitussin DM Elderberry Cough & Chest Congestion Liquid |
| Age | 4 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Elderberry flavor; Non-drowsy |
Cough, Itching, Sneezing, Runny Nose, and Sleep
Active ingredients:
- Cough suppressant: dextromethorphan
- Antihistamine: chlorpheniramine or doxylamine
Product | Adult Robitussin DM Honey Nighttime Cough Maximum Strength Liquid |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 6 hours |
Features | Honey flavor |
Product | Adult Robitussin DM Maximum Strength Nighttime Cough Liquid |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 6 hours |
Features | Wildberry flavor |
Product | Children's Robitussin DM Nighttime Cough Long-Acting Liquid |
| Age | 6 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 6 hours |
Features | Fruit punch flavor |
Product | Children's Robitussin Cough & Cold Long-Acting Liquid |
| Age | 6 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 6 hours |
Features | Fruit punch flavor |
Cough, Fever, and Pain
Active ingredients:
- Cough suppressant: dextromethorphan
- Pain/fever reducer: acetaminophen
Product | Adult Robitussin CF Maximum Strength Severe Cough + Sore Throat Liquid |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Mint flavor; Non-drowsy |
Product | Adult Robitussin CF Honey Severe Cough, Flu + Sore Throat Maximum Strength Liquid |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Honey and elderberry flavor; Non-drowsy |
Cough, Fever, Pain, Itching, Sneezing, Runny Nose, and Sleep
Active ingredients:
- Antihistamine: diphenhydramine
- Pain/fever reducer: acetaminophen
Product | Adult Robitussin CF Honey Nighttime Severe Cough, Flu + Sore Throat Maximum Strength Liquid |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Liquid form |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Honey and vanilla flavor |
Cough and Sore Throat
Active ingredients:
- Cough suppressant: dextromethorphan
- Anesthetic: menthol
Product | Robitussin Honey Medi-Soothers Cough + Sore Throat Lozenges |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Lozenges |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Honey lemon flavor |
Product | Robitussin Elderberry Medi-Soothers Cough + Sore Throat Lozenges |
| Age | 12 years and older |
| Formulation | Lozenges |
| Dosing Frequency | 4 hours |
Features | Elderberry flavor |