Can you take Benadryl and Robitussin together?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you take Benadryl and Robitussin together?
Yes, you can take Benadryl and Robitussin together. Benadryl is Diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine (1). Robitussin contains Dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant (2).
There is no known interaction between these two drugs and they can be safely taken together. However, Robitussin has a lot of different formulations, a few of which may contain Diphenhydramine, like Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold & Flu Nighttime (3).
However, another formulation – Robitussin Nighttime Cough DM contains Doxylamine, which is another antihistamine. Such formulations, which either contain Diphenhydramine itself or any other antihistamine, should not be used with Benadryl.
As far as Dextromethorphan is concerned, Benadryl can be taken with it. Other brands like Delsym also contain Dextromethorphan and can be safely taken with Benadryl. But again, you have to read the labels to make sure that other active ingredients are not added to the formulation you’re about to use.
Potential benefits and risks of taking Benadryl and Robitussin together
When taken together, Benadryl and Robitussin can provide relief from various symptoms associated with allergies and colds. (1,2)
Potential benefits include:
- Allergy symptom relief: Benadryl contains an antihistamine that helps alleviate sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies. (1)
- Cough suppression: Robitussin contains a cough suppressant that can help reduce coughing and ease throat irritation, providing relief from dry, hacking coughs. (2)
- Nasal congestion: Some Robitussin formulations also contain expectorants that can loosen mucus and phlegm, making it easier to clear congestion.
Potential risks include: (1,2)
- Drowsiness: Both Benadryl and some formulations of Robitussin may cause drowsiness, so using them together may increase the sedative effects.
- Drug interactions: It’s essential to check for any potential interactions between the active ingredients in these medications. Always consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist before combining them, especially if you are taking other medications.
- Overdose: Taking excessive amounts of Benadryl or Robitussin can lead to an overdose, which can be dangerous. It’s crucial to follow the recommended dosages and avoid exceeding the daily limits.
Final words
As with any medications, it’s essential to use Benadryl and Robitussin responsibly and as directed by your healthcare provider or the instructions on the product labels.
If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns about using these medications together, consult your doctor before starting a new treatment regimen.
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References
1.-
LABEL: BENADRYL- diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablet, film coated. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=702f9786-7ce9-43e4-921d-e1db09612127&type=pdf
2.-
LABEL: ROBITUSSIN 12 HOUR COUGH RELIEF- dextromethorphan polistirex suspension, extended-release. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=5d12a1b8-f1fb-41ca-9a4f-0595a585cbb5&type=pdf
3.-
LABEL: ROBITUSSIN SEVERE MULTI-SYMPTOM COUGH COLD FLU NIGHTTIME- acetaminophen, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, phenylephrine hydrochloride solution. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=89360fa8-014d-4da8-bb1c-197e3aa52256&type=pdf
