Is It Safe to Mix Motrin and Robitussin? Facts and Myths

Overview

Motrin is a trade name for ibuprofen. It belongs to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) class and is commonly used to temporarily ease minor aches and pains, reduce fever, and calm inflammation.

Robitussin is a brand that contains dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. It’s used to address coughs and chest congestion, helping to reduce persistent coughing and loosening mucus in the chest and throat so it can be expelled more easily.

Both Motrin and Robitussin are frequently used during colds or influenza.

Although it’s generally accepted that these two medicines can be taken together safely, a viral email and a social media post have circulated for years warning parents not to give children both Motrin and Robitussin because of a claimed risk of heart attack.

The message asserts that children have died after receiving both drugs.

However, there is no evidence indicating that combining Motrin and Robitussin causes heart attacks in otherwise healthy children.

Can Motrin and Robitussin cause a heart attack in kids or adults?

As a caregiver, it’s natural to worry after reading about a possible safety concern involving commonly used medications.

Be reassured: this alarming rumor about a child suffering a heart attack after taking Motrin and Robitussin is unsubstantiated.

None of the active components in Motrin (ibuprofen) or Robitussin (dextromethorphan and guaifenesin) are known to interact with each other in a way that would trigger heart attacks in children.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not issued any advisories to clinicians or public health officials about a dangerous interaction between these two products.

These ingredients are present in other brand-name medicines as well, and no similar warnings have been released for those products either.

Potential Motrin and Robitussin interactions

There are no recognized drug interactions between Motrin and Robitussin when taken together at standard dosages.

Like all medicines, Motrin and Robitussin can cause side effects, particularly if taken above the recommended dose or for longer than advised.

The most frequently reported side effects of Motrin (ibuprofen) include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• heartburn
• indigestion (gas, bloating, stomach pain)

The FDA has also published a warning about an elevated risk of heart attack or stroke with higher doses of ibuprofen or prolonged use.

Possible side effects of Robitussin include:

• headache
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• diarrhea

Most individuals will not experience these effects unless they exceed the recommended dosing.

Ingredients in Motrin and Robitussin

Motrin

The active agent in Motrin is ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an NSAID. It reduces inflammation by inhibiting production of prostaglandins, substances your body releases during illness or injury that contribute to pain and swelling.

Motrin is not the only brand containing ibuprofen. Other names include:

• Advil
• Midol
• Nuprin
• Cuprofen
• Nurofen

Robitussin

The primary ingredients in standard Robitussin are dextromethorphan and guaifenesin.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. Expectorants thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making coughs more productive so mucus can be cleared.

Dextromethorphan is an antitussive. It reduces activity in the part of the brain that triggers the cough reflex, resulting in fewer and less intense coughs, which can help with rest when coughing is preventing sleep.

There are other Robitussin formulations that include different active ingredients. While none have been linked to heart attacks, parents may wish to consult their child’s pediatrician before purchasing over-the-counter remedies.

Precautions when taking Motrin and Robitussin together

If you have symptoms of a cold or flu—such as cough, fever, aches, and congestion—you may take Motrin and Robitussin together.

Always read the product label and check with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the right dose for you or your child.

Robitussin, including Children’s Robitussin, should not be given to children under 4 years old.

The FDA has guidance on using cough and cold medicines in children that you should consider:

• Talk to a physician before giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen to children younger than 2 years.
• Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold products (such as Robitussin) to children under 4 years.
• Avoid preparations containing codeine or hydrocodone; they are not recommended for children under 18 years.
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to lower fever and relieve pain, but always follow the label for correct dosing. If unsure about the dose, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
• In the event of an overdose, get immediate medical help or call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Signs of overdose in children may include bluish lips or skin, breathing difficulties or slowed breathing, and extreme lethargy (unresponsiveness).

Motrin may be unsafe for children with certain medical conditions like:

• kidney disease
• anemia
• asthma
• heart disease
• allergies to ibuprofen or other analgesics/antipyretics
• high blood pressure
• stomach ulcers
• liver disease

Takeaway

There are no documented drug interactions or safety concerns between Robitussin and Motrin—such as heart attacks—that should worry you.

Still, if you or your child are taking other drugs or have preexisting health conditions, consult a physician or pharmacist before using Motrin or Robitussin to ensure they won’t interfere with other treatments.

Always check with your doctor before giving any cough or cold medications to children younger than 4 years old.