What is Robitussin Dry Cough?
Robitussin Dry Cough is a cough suppressant medication designed to provide relief from dry, unproductive coughs. It contains a specific active ingredient known as dextromethorphan that acts on the cough reflex in the brain, helping to reduce the urge to cough. This helps soothe the throat and alleviate the discomfort associated with persistent dry coughs. Robitussin Dry Cough is an over-the-counter medicine commonly used to address coughs caused by irritants, allergies, or other factors that lead to dry coughing. Providing fast-acting Robitussin Dry Cough can help get you back to feeling like yourself again.
How to buy Robitussin Dry Cough online
You can buy Robitussin Dry Cough through our online pharmacy. We offer various delivery options including collection, free delivery, and next day delivery. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. As Robitussin Dry Cough is a 'Pharmacy-only' (P) medicine a pharmacist needs to have a consultation to make sure treatment is appropriate before you can purchase Robitussin Dry Cough.
Upon completion of your order, our pharmacist will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How to use Robitussin Dry Cough
Not for use in those under 12.
For adults and children over 12 years of age:
- 10ml up to four times a day
Use the supplied measuring cup, not a kitchen spoon, and do not exceed four 10ml doses in 24 hours. Do not combine with other cough and cold products unless a pharmacist has checked their ingredients.
Stop taking this cough medicine and consult a doctor if your cough lasts more than seven days, keeps returning, or is accompanied by fever, a rash or a persistent headache. A cough lasting three weeks needs assessment even if you are no longer taking the medicine. Seek advice sooner for worsening symptoms, blood in your mucus, chest pain, breathlessness, or a significant long-term condition.
What can cause a dry cough?
A dry cough can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Respiratory infections
- Allergies – e.g. hay fever
- Irritants – e.g. smoke or dust
- Certain medicines
- Stress
- Smoking
- Heartburn
- Postnasal drip
Other help with Dry Coughs
Alongside taking Robitussin Dry Cough you can also:
- Get plenty of rest
- Keep hydrated
- Use a humidifier to keep the air in your living spaces moist, which can help ease coughing
- Avoid triggers like smoke or allergens
If your cough is associated with pain or a fever alongside your cough it is safe to take pain killers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
How it works
It contains dextromethorphan which helps to calm the cough reflex, providing temporary relief from the irritation and soreness in the throat that often accompanies dry coughs.
Robitussin Dry Cough and pregnancy
Speak to your doctor before taking Robitussin Dry Cough if you are pregnant or might be pregnant. Do not assume it is suitable just because it is available without prescription.
Robitussin Dry Cough and breastfeeding
Speak to your doctor before taking Robitussin Dry Cough while breastfeeding. Avoid it unless a doctor advises its use, as information about dextromethorphan in breast milk is limited.
Robitussin Dry Cough side effects
Robitussin Dry Cough can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Possible effects include:
- Stomach upset, feeling or being sick
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Confusion
- Allergic skin reactions
Stop and seek advice if symptoms trouble you or become serious. Do not drive or use machinery if you feel dizzy, drowsy or less alert. Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.
Who cannot take Robitussin Dry Cough
Robitussin Dry Cough is generally well tolerated and suitable for most adults and children over 12. However they may not be suitable if you:
- Have previously had an allergic reaction to Robitussin Dry Cough or any of its ingredients
- If you have taken or are currently using a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression or Parkinson's disease within the last 14 days.
- If you have taken or are currently taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for depression or anxiety within the past 14 days.
- If you have taken or are currently using any other medication for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease within the last 14 days.
When should I seek advice about my cough
Seek a doctor’s advice regarding your cough if:
- If you've had a cough for more than 3 weeks (persistent cough).
- If your cough is severe or rapidly worsening, such as having a hacking cough or being unable to stop coughing.
- If you feel very unwell.
- If you experience chest pain.
- If you're losing weight inexplicably.
- If the side of your neck feels swollen and painful (swollen glands).
- If you find it difficult to breathe.
- If you have a weakened immune system due to factors such as chemotherapy or diabetes.
Stop taking this cough medicine and consult a doctor if your cough lasts more than seven days, keeps returning, or is accompanied by fever, a rash or a persistent headache. A cough lasting three weeks needs assessment even if you are no longer taking the medicine. Seek advice sooner for worsening symptoms, blood in your mucus, chest pain, breathlessness, or a significant long-term condition.
Robitussin Dry Cough interactions
If you take any of the medications Robitussin Dry Cough may not be suitable for you as the two could interact together:
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)
- Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
- Other medicines that can make you drowsy such as opioids and antihistamines
You should also be aware that any herbal or alternative remedies you take may also interact with this medication and cause side effects. If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your GP, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
Do not take it with an SSRI, MAOI or certain other medicines for depression, mental-health conditions or Parkinson’s disease, or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Ask a pharmacist to check all your medicines. Combining serotonergic medicines can cause serotonin syndrome: seek urgent help for agitation or confusion with fever, sweating, tremor or muscle stiffness.
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy Robitussin Dry Cough over the counter?
Yes, Robitussin Dry Cough can be bought over the counter after a short consultation with a pharmacist.
How long does Robitussin Dry Cough take to work?
It should start working within 15 - 30 minutes.
When should I see a doctor about my dry cough?
Stop taking this cough medicine and consult a doctor if your cough lasts more than seven days, keeps returning, or is accompanied by fever, a rash or a persistent headache. A cough lasting three weeks needs assessment even if you are no longer taking the medicine. Seek advice sooner for worsening symptoms, blood in your mucus, chest pain, breathlessness, or a significant long-term condition.
How should I store Robitussin Dry Cough?
Store Robitussin Dry Cough below 25°C, out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date on the bottle or carton. Keep it in its original container and follow the storage instructions in the supplied leaflet.
Can I take Robitussin Dry Cough with alcohol?
No you should avoid alcohol while taking Robitussin Dry Cough as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Is it safe to buy Robitussin Dry Cough from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worst harm yourself buying and taking fake medicine. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.
