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Can you take Robitussin Cough & Allergy with Sodium oxybate?

2 drug interactions and 35 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Major drug interactions

Major:

chlorpheniramine sodium oxybate

Applies to: Robitussin Cough & Allergy (chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine) and sodium oxybate

Using sodium oxybate together with chlorpheniramine may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, low blood pressure, slow or shallow breathing, and problems with thinking, judgment, or coordination. Severe drowsiness, fainting, loss of consciousness, and even death may occur. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose, monitor you more closely, or prescribe a different medication. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities for at least 6 hours after taking sodium oxybate and until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

chlorpheniramine dextromethorphan

Applies to: Robitussin Cough & Allergy (chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine) and Robitussin Cough & Allergy (chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine)

Using chlorpheniramine together with dextromethorphan may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Major food/lifestyle interactions

Major:

sodium oxybate Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: sodium oxybate

Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with sodium oxybate. This may increase the risk of serious side effects such as trouble breathing, low blood pressure, extreme drowsiness, fainting, coma, and even death. If you are taking the extended-release sodium oxybate formulation (Lumryz), alcohol may cause the medicine to be released too quickly, resulting in a rapid and unpredictable increase in its effects. In addition, food may affect how much sodium oxybate your body absorbs. You should wait at least 2 hours after eating before taking sodium oxybate. Some single ingredient formulations of sodium oxybate contain a significant amount of sodium. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure and advise you to limit your salt intake, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney problems. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous activities for at least six hours after taking sodium oxybate. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

chlorpheniramine Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Robitussin Cough & Allergy (chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine)

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of chlorpheniramine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with chlorpheniramine. Do not use more than the recommended dose of chlorpheniramine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Moderate:

dextromethorphan Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Robitussin Cough & Allergy (chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine)

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of dextromethorphan such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with dextromethorphan. Do not use more than the recommended dose of dextromethorphan, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Moderate:

phenylephrine Caffeine

Applies to: Robitussin Cough & Allergy (chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan / phenylephrine)

Both phenylephrine and caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, and combining them may enhance these effects. Talk to your doctor before using these medications, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

31 potential interactions Applies to: 24 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, Weight Loss, Asthma, and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Alcoholism

Major:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Sodium oxybate should not be used with alcohol. This drug should be used with caution in patients with history of drug or alcohol abuse. The inappropriate use of this drug alone or in combination with other CNS depressants is associated with CNS adverse reaction including seizures, respiratory depression, decreases in the levels of consciousness, coma and death. Because illicit use and abuse has been reported, physicians should evaluate carefully their patients for history of drug or alcohol abuse and should follow such patients closely, observing them for signs of misuse.

Asthma

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The chlorpheniramine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The phenylephrine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The phenylephrine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The chlorpheniramine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Major:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The phenylephrine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

COPD

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The chlorpheniramine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Depression

Major:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a major potential interaction with Depression.

A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of most anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. Some of these changes include decreased inhibition, aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. These drugs can cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The phenylephrine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate.

Drug Dependence

Major:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.

Sodium oxybate should not be used with alcohol. This drug should be used with caution in patients with history of drug or alcohol abuse. The inappropriate use of this drug alone or in combination with other CNS depressants is associated with CNS adverse reaction including seizures, respiratory depression, decreases in the levels of consciousness, coma and death. Because illicit use and abuse has been reported, physicians should evaluate carefully their patients for history of drug or alcohol abuse and should follow such patients closely, observing them for signs of misuse.

Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The chlorpheniramine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The chlorpheniramine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The phenylephrine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Sympathomimetic agents can induce transient mydriasis via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. In patients with anatomically narrow angles or narrow-angle glaucoma, pupillary dilation can provoke an acute attack. In patients with other forms of glaucoma, mydriasis may occasionally increase intraocular pressure. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma.

Moderate:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Heart Disease

Moderate:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Disease.

Sodium oxybate has a high content of salt, and it should be used with caution in patients sensitive to salt intake such as patients with heart failure, hypertension, or renal impairment.

High Blood Pressure

Moderate:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a moderate potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Sodium oxybate has a high content of salt, and it should be used with caution in patients sensitive to salt intake such as patients with heart failure, hypertension, or renal impairment.

Hypertensive Heart with CHF and Renal Disease

Moderate:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a moderate potential interaction with Hypertensive Heart with CHF and Renal Disease.

Sodium oxybate has a high content of salt, and it should be used with caution in patients sensitive to salt intake such as patients with heart failure, hypertension, or renal impairment.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The phenylephrine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The chlorpheniramine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Hypotension

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The chlorpheniramine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

Liver Disease

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The chlorpheniramine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

Moderate:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

In general, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver. Their plasma clearance may be decreased and their half-life prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease (some are not recommended in severe liver impairment), and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly. Laboratory testing is recommended prior and during treatment.

Narcolepsy

Moderate:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a moderate potential interaction with Narcolepsy.

The use of sodium oxybate may impair the respiratory drive especially in patients with compromised respiratory function. Sodium oxybate should be used cautiously in patients with sleep apnea and sleep-related breathing disorders as there have been reports of increased central apneas and clinically relevant desaturation. Prescribers should be aware that sleep-related disorders tend to be more prevalent in obese patients, postmenopausal women not receiving hormone replacement therapy and also among patients with narcolepsy.

Pheochromocytoma

Major:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The phenylephrine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Prostate Tumor, Benign

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The phenylephrine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Prostate Tumor, Benign.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The chlorpheniramine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

Moderate:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Sodium oxybate has a high content of salt, and it should be used with caution in patients sensitive to salt intake such as patients with heart failure, hypertension, or renal impairment.

Sleep Apnea

Moderate:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a moderate potential interaction with Sleep Apnea.

The use of sodium oxybate may impair the respiratory drive especially in patients with compromised respiratory function. Sodium oxybate should be used cautiously in patients with sleep apnea and sleep-related breathing disorders as there have been reports of increased central apneas and clinically relevant desaturation. Prescribers should be aware that sleep-related disorders tend to be more prevalent in obese patients, postmenopausal women not receiving hormone replacement therapy and also among patients with narcolepsy.

Urinary Retention

Moderate:

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

The chlorpheniramine in Robitussin Cough & Allergy has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

Moderate:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Weight Loss

Moderate:

sodium oxybate

Sodium oxybate has a moderate potential interaction with Weight Loss.

The use of sodium oxybate may impair the respiratory drive especially in patients with compromised respiratory function. Sodium oxybate should be used cautiously in patients with sleep apnea and sleep-related breathing disorders as there have been reports of increased central apneas and clinically relevant desaturation. Prescribers should be aware that sleep-related disorders tend to be more prevalent in obese patients, postmenopausal women not receiving hormone replacement therapy and also among patients with narcolepsy.

More resources

Robitussin Cough & Allergy

A total of 603 drugs are known to interact with Robitussin Cough & Allergy.

sodium oxybate

A total of 348 drugs are known to interact with sodium oxybate.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.