What is Robitussin Cold & Flu?
Robitussin Cold & Flu (Robitussin Cold & Flu) is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
Robitussin Cold & Flu is used to treat nasal and sinus congestion, or congestion of the tubes that drain fluid from your inner ears, called the eustachian (yoo-STAY-shun) tubes.
Robitussin Cold & Flu may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Robitussin Cold & Flu indications
Robitussin Cold & Flu is used for the temporary relief of stuffy nose, sinus, and ear symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis). This medication works by decreasing swelling in the nose and ears, thereby lessening discomfort and making it easier to breathe.
Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.
How should I use Robitussin Cold & Flu?
Use Robitussin Cold & Flu drops as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Robitussin Cold & Flu drops is for use in the eye only. Avoid contact with the nose or mouth.
- To use Robitussin Cold & Flu drops, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
- To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including your eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
- Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Robitussin Cold & Flu drops. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's directions and check with your doctor before using them.
- Do not use Robitussin Cold & Flu drops if it is brown or contains particles.
- If you miss a dose of Robitussin Cold & Flu drops, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Robitussin Cold & Flu drops.
Uses of Robitussin Cold & Flu in details
Use: Labeled Indications
Hypotension/shock: Treatment of hypotension, vascular failure in shock. Note: Not recommended for routine use in the treatment of septic shock; use should be limited until more evidence demonstrating positive clinical outcomes becomes available (Rhodes 2017).
Guideline recommendations:
Cardiogenic shock: The 2017 American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement for the Contemporary Management of Cardiogenic Shock recommends Robitussin Cold & Flu, if needed, be considered for initial vasoactive management of cardiogenic shock due to aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis, or dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction (AHA [van Diepen 2017]).
Hypotension during anesthesia: As a vasoconstrictor in regional analgesia
Nasal congestion: As a decongestant [OTC]
Off Label Uses
Hypotension in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Robitussin Cold & Flu is a pure alpha1 agonist that will increase systemic vascular resistance without increasing heart rate or contractility. This is advantageous in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypotension since increases in both heart rate and contractility may cause the obstruction to worsen, leading to a decrease in cardiac output. Other vasopressors like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine may increase contractility and/or heart rate. Additional trials may be necessary to further define the role of Robitussin Cold & Flu in this condition.
Based on the American Urological Association guidelines for the management of priapism, due to the low risk of cardiovascular side effects intracavernous injection of Robitussin Cold & Flu is recommended for ischemic priapism that persists following aspiration/irrigation.
Robitussin Cold & Flu description
Robitussin Cold & Flu is a sympathomimetic amine that acts predominantly on α-adrenergic receptors. It is mainly used to treat nasal congestion, but may also be useful in treating hypotension and shock, hypotension during spinal anaesthesia, prolongation of spinal anaesthesia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, symptomatic relief of external or internal hemorrhoids, and to increase blood pressure as an aid in the diagnosis of heart murmurs.
Robitussin Cold & Flu dosage
Robitussin Cold & Flu Dosage
Generic name: Robitussin Cold & Flu HYDROCHLORIDE 10mg in 1mL
Dosage form: injection
The information at Drugs.com is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
General Dosage and Administration Instructions
Robitussin Cold & Flu (Robitussin Cold & Flu hydrochloride) Injection, 10 mg/mL must be diluted before administration as an intravenous bolus or continuous intravenous infusion to achieve the desired concentration:
- Bolus: Dilute with normal saline or 5% dextrose in water.
- Continuous infusion: Dilute with normal saline or 5% dextrose in water.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use if the solution is colored or cloudy, or if it contains particulate matter. The diluted solution should not be held for more than 4 hours at room temperature or for more than 24 hours under refrigerated conditions. Discard any unused portion.
During Robitussin Cold & Flu administration:
- Correct intravascular volume depletion.
- Correct acidosis. Acidosis may reduce the effectiveness of Robitussin Cold & Flu.
Dosing for Treatment of Hypotension during Anesthesia
The following are the recommended dosages for the treatment of hypotension during anesthesia.
- The recommended initial dose is 40 to 100 mcg administered by intravenous bolus. May administer additional boluses every 1-2 minutes as needed; not to exceed a total dosage of 200 mcg.
- If blood pressure is below the target goal, start a continuous intravenous infusion with an infusion rate of 10 to 35 mcg/minute; not to exceed 200 mcg/minute.
- Adjust dosage according to the blood pressure goal.
Prepare a 100 mcg/mL Solution for Bolus
Intravenous Administration
For bolus intravenous administration, prepare a solution containing a final concentration of 100 mcg/mL of Robitussin Cold & Flu:
- Withdraw 10 mg (1 mL of 10 mg/mL) of Robitussin Cold & Flu and dilute with 99 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP.
- Withdraw an appropriate dose from the 100 mcg/mL solution prior to bolus intravenous administration.
Prepare a Solution for Continuous
Intravenous Administration
For continuous intravenous infusion, prepare a solution containing a final concentration of 20 mcg/mL of Robitussin Cold & Flu in 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP:
- Withdraw 10 mg (1 mL of 10 mg/mL) of Robitussin Cold & Flu and dilute with 500 mL of 5% Dextrose Injection, USP or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP.
Directions for Dispensing from Pharmacy Bulk Vial
The Pharmacy Bulk Vial is intended for dispensing of single doses to multiple patients in a pharmacy admixture program and is restricted to the preparation of admixtures for infusion. Each closure shall be penetrated only one time with a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set that allows measured dispensing of the contents. The Pharmacy Bulk Vial is to be used only in a suitable work area such as a laminar flow hood (or an equivalent clean air compounding area). Dispensing from a pharmacy bulk vial should be completed within 4 hours after the vial is penetrated.
More about Robitussin Cold & Flu (Robitussin Cold & Flu)
- Side Effects
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Dosage Information
- Drug Interactions
- Support Group
- 0 Reviews - Add your own review/rating
Consumer resources
- Robitussin Cold & Flu
- Robitussin Cold & Flu (Advanced Reading)
- Other brands: Neo-Synephrine, Robitussin Cold & Flu Congestion, Sudogest PE, Robitussin Cold & Flu Children's Nasal Decongestant, More (9) »
Professional resources
- Robitussin Cold & Flu (FDA)
- Robitussin Cold & Flu Hydrochloride (AHFS Monograph)
Related treatment guides
- Hypotension
Robitussin Cold & Flu interactions
See also:
What other drugs will affect Robitussin Cold & Flu?
Acetaminophen: May increase the serum concentration of Robitussin Cold & Flu (Systemic). Monitor therapy
Alpha1-Blockers: May diminish the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Similarly, Alpha1-Agonists may antagonize Alpha1-Blocker vasodilation. Monitor therapy
AtoMOXetine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. AtoMOXetine may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine: Alpha1-Agonists may diminish the diagnostic effect of Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine. Management: Consider use of a histamine skin test as a positive control to assess a patient's ability to mount a wheal and flare response. Consider therapy modification
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Exceptions: Cannabidiol. Monitor therapy
Chloroprocaine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Robitussin Cold & Flu (Systemic). Monitor therapy
CloZAPine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Robitussin Cold & Flu (Systemic). Monitor therapy
Cocaine (Topical): May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Consider alternatives to use of this combination when possible. Monitor closely for substantially increased blood pressure or heart rate and for any evidence of myocardial ischemia with concurrent use. Consider therapy modification
Doxofylline: Sympathomimetics may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Doxofylline. Monitor therapy
Ergot Derivatives: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Ergot Derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Exceptions: Ergoloid Mesylates; Nicergoline. Avoid combination
FentaNYL: Alpha1-Agonists may decrease the serum concentration of FentaNYL. Specifically, fentanyl nasal spray serum concentrations may decrease and onset of effect may be delayed. Monitor therapy
Guanethidine: May enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Sympathomimetics. Guanethidine may enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Hyaluronidase: May enhance the vasoconstricting effect of Robitussin Cold & Flu (Systemic). Management: Avoid the use of hyaluronidase to enhance dispersion or absorption of Robitussin Cold & Flu. Use of hyaluronidase for other purposes in patients receiving Robitussin Cold & Flu may be considered as clinically indicated. Avoid combination
Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products: Alpha1-Agonists may diminish the therapeutic effect of Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products. Management: Discontinue all drugs that may inhibit or interfere with catecholamine transport or uptake for at least 5 biological half-lives before iobenguane administration. Do not administer these drugs until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose. Avoid combination
Ioflupane I 123: Robitussin Cold & Flu (Systemic) may diminish the diagnostic effect of Ioflupane I 123. Monitor therapy
Linezolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Reduce initial doses of sympathomimetic agents, and closely monitor for enhanced pressor response, in patients receiving linezolid. Specific dose adjustment recommendations are not presently available. Consider therapy modification
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Alpha1-Agonists. While linezolid is expected to interact via this mechanism, management recommendations differ from other monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Refer to linezolid specific monographs for details. Exceptions: Linezolid. Avoid combination
Ozanimod: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Concomitant use of ozanimod with sympathomimetic agents is not recommended. If combined, monitor patients closely for the development of hypertension, including hypertensive crises. Consider therapy modification
Propacetamol: May increase the serum concentration of Robitussin Cold & Flu (Systemic). Management: Monitor patients closely for increased side effects of Robitussin Cold & Flu if propacetamol is used concomitantly. Patients with underlying blood pressure issues or arrhythmias may need closer monitoring and may warrant consideration of alternative therapies. Monitor therapy
Solriamfetol: Sympathomimetics may enhance the hypertensive effect of Solriamfetol. Sympathomimetics may enhance the tachycardic effect of Solriamfetol. Monitor therapy
Sympathomimetics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Tedizolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Tedizolid may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Tricyclic Antidepressants: May enhance the therapeutic effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Tricyclic Antidepressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Monitor therapy
Robitussin Cold & Flu side effects
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What are the possible side effects of Robitussin Cold & Flu?
Applies to Robitussin Cold & Flu: intravenous solution
As well as its needed effects, Robitussin Cold & Flu (the active ingredient contained in Robitussin Cold & Flu) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.
If any of the following side effects occur while taking Robitussin Cold & Flu, check with your doctor or nurse immediately:
Incidence not known:
- Blurred vision
- chest pain or discomfort
- difficult or labored breathing
- dizziness
- fainting
- fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- nervousness
- pain in the shoulders, arms, jaw, or neck
- pounding in the ears
- sweating
- tightness in the chest
- unusual tiredness
If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking Robitussin Cold & Flu, get emergency help immediately:
Symptoms of overdose:
- Feeling of fullness in the head
- pounding or rapid pulse
- tingling in the arms or legs
- vomiting
Minor Side Effects
Some Robitussin Cold & Flu side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear. Your health care professional may be able to help you prevent or reduce these side effects, but do check with them if any of the following side effects continue, or if you are concerned about them:
Incidence not known:
- Heartburn
- itching skin
- nausea
- pain in the neck
- pain or discomfort in chest, upper stomach, or throat
Robitussin Cold & Flu contraindications
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What is the most important information I should know about Robitussin Cold & Flu?
Minims Robitussin Cold & Flu hydrochloride should not be used in patients with severe hypertension, ventricular tachycardia, or in patients who are hypersensitive to it or to any of the components.
Active ingredient matches for Robitussin Cold & Flu:
Phenylephrine in Australia.
List of Robitussin Cold & Flu substitutes (brand and generic names) | Sort by popularity |
Unit description / dosage (Manufacturer) | Price, USD |
Robitussin Sinus Relief (Australia) | |
Saczine-Cold (India) | |
Saczine-Cold Cetirizine 5 mg, phenylephrine10 mg, paracetamol 500 mg, caffeine 30 mg. TAB / 10 (Sac Pharma) | $ 0.30 |
SACZINE-COLD tab 10's (Sac Pharma) | $ 0.30 |
SALIN P | |
SALIN P DROP 1 packet / 1 ML drop each (West-Coast Pharmaceutical Works Ltd) | $ 0.32 |
Sensicold (India) | |
Sensicold Phenylephrine HCl 2.5mg, Chlorpheniramine Maleate 1mg, Paracetamol 125mg SYR / 60ml (Docventures) | $ 0.46 |
SENSICOLD syr 60ml (Docventures) | $ 0.46 |
SINAREST LEVO (India) | |
10's (Samruddhi (Centaur Pharmaceuticals)) | $ 0.49 |
Sinarest Levo 10+2.5 Tablet (Samruddhi (Centaur Pharmaceuticals)) | $ 0.05 |
Sinarest Levo Levocetirizine 2.5 mg, Phenylephrine 10 mg. TAB / 10 (Samruddhi (Centaur Pharmaceuticals)) | $ 0.49 |
SINAREST LEVO TABLET 1 strip / 10 tablets each (Samruddhi (Centaur Pharmaceuticals)) | $ 0.66 |
SINAREST LEVO tab 10's (Samruddhi (Centaur Pharmaceuticals)) | $ 0.49 |
Sinarest Levo Levocetirizine 2.5 mg, Phenylephrine 10 mg. TAB / 10 (Samruddhi (Centaur Pharmaceuticals)) | $ 0.49 |
Sinarest Levo Tablet (Samruddhi (Centaur Pharmaceuticals)) | $ 0.08 |
Sinarest-PD Syr (India) | |
Sinarest-PD Syr Paracetamol 125 mg, phenylephrine hydrochloride2.5 mg, chlorpheniraminemaleate 1 mg, sodium citrate60 mg, menthol 0.5 mg/5 mL. SYR / 60ml (Centaur) | $ 0.37 |
SINAREST-PD SYR syr 60ml (Centaur) | $ 0.37 |
Sinex Ultra Fine Mist | |
Sinucold (India) | |
Sinucold Cetirizine 5 mg, paracetamol325 mg, phenylephrine 5 mg. TAB / 10 (Intecare) | $ 0.51 |
Sinucold Cetirizine 2.5 mg, paracetamol12.5 mg, phenylephrine 5 mg. O-SUSP / 60ml (Intecare) | $ 0.42 |
SINUCOLD tab 10's (Intecare) | $ 0.51 |
SINUCOLD oral susp 60ml (Intecare) | $ 0.42 |
Sinurhon Tablet | |
Sinurhon Tablet (Leben Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.) | $ 0.40 |
Spersaphrine (Canada) | |
Spray Nasal pour Enfants (Switzerland) | |
Spray; Nasal; Phenylephrine (Spirig) | |
St. Joseph Measured Dose Nasal Decongestant | |
Storzfen (United States) | |
Sudafed Blocked Nose Capsules (United Kingdom) | |
Sudafed PE | |
Sudafed PE Children's Nasal Decongestant | |
Sudafed PE Childrens | |
Sudafed PE Congestion | |
Sudafed PE Congestion tablet 10 mg/1 (Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., Mc Neil Consumer Healthcare Division (US)) | |
Sudafed PE Decongestant (Canada) | |
Sudafed PE Extra Strength (Canada) | |
Tablet; Oral; Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 10 mg | |
Sudafed PE Extra Strength tablet 10 mg (Mcneil Consumer Healthcare Division Of Johnson & Johnson Inc (Canada)) | |
Sudafed PE Nasal Decongestant (New Zealand) | |
Sudafed PE Quick Dissolve | |
Sudafed PE Quick-Dissolve Orally Disintegrating Strips | |
Sudafed PE Sinus Congestion | |
Sudogest PE | |
Sudogest PE tablet, film coated 10 mg/1 (Major Pharmaceuticals (US)) | |
Sunepherine | |
Sunepherine Eye 2.5% Drop (Sunways India Pvt. Ltd.) | $ 0.01 |
Sunepherine Eye 10% Drop (Sunways India Pvt. Ltd.) | $ 0.07 |
Sunepherine Eye 5% Drop (Sunways India Pvt. Ltd.) | $ 0.02 |
SUNEPHRINE | |
SUNEPHRINE EYE DROP 1 packet / 5 ML eye drop each (Sunways India Pvt Ltd) | $ 0.32 |
See 916 substitutes for Robitussin Cold & Flu |
References
- PubChem. "phenylephrine". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/com... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- DrugBank. "phenylephrine". http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00388 (accessed September 17, 2018).
- MeSH. "Cardiotonic Agents". https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68... (accessed September 17, 2018).
Reviews
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Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology