Is Zarbee’s cough syrup safe to be used with Motrin or Advil in babies?
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
Is Zarbee’s cough syrup safe to be used with Motrin or Advil in babies?
Yes, it is considered safe to give Zarbee’s syrup along with Motrin or Advil to your baby. However, it’s always recommended to consult a doctor before giving any medication to your baby. Babies are much more sensitive to the effects of drugs and unnecessary use of medications should be avoided.
Motrin and Advil both contain Ibuprofen as the main active ingredient and Ibuprofen does not react in any way with Zarbee’s cough syrup (1,2).
This syrup doesn’t really contain any typical active ingredients and it contains herbal remedies to help relieve your child’s cough (1). Make sure you follow a schedule where you maintain a certain amount of time gap between the doses to avoid any chance of overdosing.
Potential risks of giving Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) to babies
Ibuprofen may cause some side effects in babies and should not be given without a paediatrician’s supervision. Some of the risks associated with the use of Ibuporen in babies include (2,3):
- Stomach irritation: Ibuprofen can sometimes cause stomach irritation, leading to discomfort and possible stomach upset in babies.
- Allergic reactions: Some babies may be allergic to ibuprofen, which can result in skin rashes, itching, and swelling.
- Kidney issues: In rare cases, ibuprofen may affect the kidneys, leading to kidney problems in babies.
- Asthma exacerbation: Ibuprofen use can worsen asthma symptoms in babies who have underlying respiratory conditions.
- Bleeding risk: Ibuprofen may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in babies with certain blood disorders.
- Overdose concerns: Giving too much ibuprofen can be harmful and may lead to overdose symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and breathing difficulties.
- Interaction with other medications: Ibuprofen may interact with other medications the baby is taking, causing adverse effects.
How to ensure the safe and effective use of Zarbee’s cough syrup and Ibuprofen in babies?
When using Zarbee’s cough syrup and Ibuprofen in babies, it’s essential to follow some guidelines to ensure their safe and effective use. Firstly, always consult with your baby’s paediatrician before giving any medication.
They can recommend the appropriate dosage based on your baby’s age, weight, and medical history. Read the labels carefully and use the provided measuring device to administer the correct amount.
Avoid giving multiple medications with the same active ingredient to prevent accidental overdose. Keep a record of the time and dosage given to avoid double dosing. If your baby’s symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice promptly.
Zarbee’s cough syrup can also be given with Tylenol, which is a safer option for babies as compared to giving Ibuprofen. However, the use of medications in babies can vary.
Remember, medication should not be a substitute for proper medical evaluation and care, so consult your baby’s healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan.
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References
1.-
Zarbee’s cough syrup – The main information page. https://www.zarbees.com/products/?default=4bce4773-3507-4e97-b060-e2f2f07a5dbd~Baby~Select+Ages
2.-
Ngo VTH, Bajaj T. Ibuprofen. 2023 May 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31194439. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542299
3.-
Autret-Leca E. A general overview of the use of ibuprofen in paediatrics. Int J Clin Pract Suppl. 2003 Apr;(135):9-12. PMID: 12723740. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12723740/
