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Cough

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tony27s
tony27s

I have had a cough for the last two weeks. Mostly a dry cough and some congestion. Is it safe to take a cough medicine like Robitussen with Bronchiectasis? I can't get rid of this cough. I take Mucinex,  gargle with salt water and take cough drops. Very annoying. Any suggestions? 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • broadsword
    broadsword tony27s

    Posted

    I suggest Tony that a cough medicine is not right for bronchiectasis. Your GP might need to prescribe the antiobiotic that works best, usually azrythromycin

    best wishes

  • aitarg35939
    aitarg35939 tony27s

    Posted

    Robitussin & Mucinex contain the same medicine as their base: guafenisin. Guafenisin is a mucus thinner BUT if you get too much of it, it can cause a dry cough.

    If you are buying either or both of these with additional functions such as cough suppression &/or antihistamines or decongestants, they too can have side effects.

    You need to see your lung specialist, if possible, both about the cough and about whether it's appropriate for you to be using as much guafenisin as you're using, and how much water you need to drink with it. You could be coughing due to infection, too. If you did it because you listened to me, i will now stop making that suggestion.

    You may need an inhaler to help with the cough.

  • steve62514
    steve62514 tony27s

    Posted

    I'm not sure whether Robitussin qualifies as a cough suppressant (being a Brit expat I'm familiar with Robitussin and I thought it was/is such a 'drug'wink.  I recall that the guidance leaflet for one of the mucous thinners ("Flemex" brand name, which is a carbocisteine in my now country of residence) states categorically that users should not mix it with a cough suppressant.

    Reinforces the need, recommended by others above, to discuss med changes with a medic - preferably an experienced pulmo or hospital pharmacist. 

    • aitarg35939
      aitarg35939 steve62514

      Posted

      Plain Robitussin is an expectorant only, ditto for plain Mucinex. You can also buy either with a suppressant or with a decongestant and various combinations.

      Guafenisin is an expectorant AKA a mucus thinner.

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