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Key takeaways
Ibuprofen, an NSAID, and Robitussin, a brand of cold medicine, can generally be taken together.
This combination of meds can treat different symptoms of colds, the flu, and similar illnesses.
Side effects are possible with both ibuprofen and Robitussin. However, taking them together does not significantly increase the risk for most people.
You can purchase Robitussin and ibuprofen at a reduced cost using one of SingleCare’s prescription discount cards.
Robitussin is a cough suppressant medication. There are different formulations of Robitussin that may help with congestion and cough. These can be symptoms of a respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, or sinus infection.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), fever reducer, and over-the-counter medication that relieves pain. You may have seen it in stores as Advil or Motrin, the common brand-name versions.
You can take most formulations of these two medicines together.
Can you take Robitussin and ibuprofen together?
Most forms of Robitussin and ibuprofen can be combined safely. “Plain Robitussin, which contains only guaifenesin, is safe to take with ibuprofen,” says Dr. Aaron Emmel, Pharm.D., BCPS, the founder of Pharmacy Tech Scholar. “Guaifenesin, when taken in recommended amounts, is typically well-tolerated, so I wouldn’t say there are significant risks to mixing it with ibuprofen.” He adds that they won’t interfere with each other’s effectiveness, either.
In fact, according to Dr. Emmel, mixing those meds can be beneficial when treating the common cold or a minor respiratory infection. The guaifenesin in Robitussin may loosen phlegm and make coughing more productive. Many Robitussin formulas also contain dextromethorphan (DM), which is a cough suppressant. Ibuprofen can treat fever, inflammation, aches, and pains.
Other cold medications can be taken with ibuprofen, too—but be careful about which one you choose. “Some cough medications (particularly ones labeled cold/flu relief) may have ibuprofen or another similar NSAID (such as aspirin or naproxen), and these should not be mixed with ibuprofen,” says Dr. Bryan Cochran, MD, a family medicine physician at MedStar Health.
Some formulations of Robitussin contain phenylephrine, which is a decongestant. If you have high blood pressure, it’s probably best to avoid taking those formulations. And it’s best not to combine decongestants with ibuprofen if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease.
Dr. Emmel says dextromethorphan, antihistamines, and decongestants are generally safe; however, he warns about decongestants.
“One consideration is that decongestants can increase blood pressure,” he says. “Ibuprofen can increase blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering medications, so individuals with high blood pressure should use caution when considering either medication alone and especially with combining them.”
Each medication has its risks, too. Dr. Cochran says ibuprofen has broad side effects, such as kidney damage and gastrointestinal bleeding, though the risk isn’t increased by adding plain Robitussin. He adds that Robitussin can have adverse effects, too, such as dizziness, drowsiness, headache, rash, nausea, and vomiting.
While Dr. Cochran agrees the two can usually be taken together safely, he encourages talking with a healthcare professional first. “Even though both medications are over-the-counter, you should always ask your doctor before taking them as you may have specific conditions that would be affected by them,” he says. (Case in point: high blood pressure.)
Does Robitussin have ibuprofen in it?
The active ingredients in Robitussin formulations may include acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine. In other words, Robitussin does not have ibuprofen in it, so people should be able to take it even if they’re allergic to ibuprofen.
This isn’t a 100% guarantee, though. “If you are allergic to ibuprofen, it is not expected that you would have a reaction to Robitussin, but you should always talk to your doctor before starting any new medication,” Dr. Cochran says.
Just remember you should not take Robitussin at all if you’ve had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients, have high blood pressure or heart disease, take MAO inhibitors, or are a young child. Additionally, before taking this medicine, let your healthcare provider know if you’re using tricyclic antidepressants, antihypertensives, beta blockers, or any other medications.
What happens if you take Robitussin and ibuprofen together?
No major, common implications result from taking plain Robitussin and ibuprofen together. “There are no specific side effects from the combination of Robitussin and ibuprofen, but separately, they can each have notable side effects,” Dr. Cochrain says.
Dr. Emmel’s only warning is that both medications can cause an upset stomach, so there may be a slightly increased risk when you take them both.
Health effects are generally unlikely, however. “Excessive amounts of guaifenesin intake have been associated with kidney stones, and ibuprofen is known to potentially cause kidney issues, but this is a stretch of a concern with the combination of the two products,” he adds.
The risk lies more in ibuprofen, or an NSAID, alone—especially if other health conditions are present. Dr. Emmel says NSAIDs are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney toxicity, gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding, and increased blood pressure.
If you experience significant abdominal pain, bloody stools or urine, new, significant rashes, or signs of a heart attack or stroke, seek medical attention immediately, he urges.
“Patients should always seek counseling prior to taking NSAIDs if they have any health conditions or take any medications,” Dr. Emmel adds.
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about the specific ingredients in different Robitussin formulations.
How long should I wait to take Robitussin after taking ibuprofen?
Dr. Emmel says the standard ibuprofen dosage for adults is 200 to 400 mg, three to four times daily.
“I would exercise caution that anyone considering ibuprofen over-the-counter discuss it with their pharmacist or prescriber if they have any conditions or take prescription medications,” he says.
The dosage for guaifenesin is similar: 200 mg to 400 mg every four hours, as needed.
Can’t remember that, or want to be extra safe? Check the bottle and seek medical advice. “As there are various dosages and formulations on the market, always follow the instructions on the back of the medication bottle as to what is a safe dose to take,” Dr. Cochran says. “If you have questions, please ask your doctor.”
Is it safe to take Robitussin and ibuprofen?
Yes, most people can safely take Robitussin and ibuprofen together. But check the ingredients on the formulation you’re taking. Different combinations of medications sold as Robitussin might not be right for everyone.
Consult your healthcare provider for more specific information, especially if you have chronic health conditions.
Sources
- Robitussin Maximum Strength Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold + Flu, Robitussin.com (2023)