How Do Antitussive Decongestant Expectorant Combos Work?

Antitussive/decongestant/expectorant combos are over-the-counter medicines used for temporary relief of:

• congestion
• cough
• bronchial irritation

Antitussives suppress cough by suppressing the cough center in the brain.

Decongestants work in the following ways:

• Relieve irritation of upper respiratory tract infection
• Reduce swelling of the inner lining of the nose
• Relieve nasal congestion
• Shrink blood vessels in the nasal passage to relieve nasal congestion

Expectorants help thin and loosen congestion in the chest and throat, making it easier to cough up the mucus.

Antitussive/decongestant/expectorant combos are over-the-counter medicines used for temporary relief of:

• congestion
• cough
• bronchial irritation

Side effects of antitussives/decongestant/expectorant combos may include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Irregular heart rate
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Excitability
• Headache
• Restlessness
• Tremor
• Nausea
• Vomiting

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of antitussive/decongestant/expectorant combos include:

• Broncotron-D Suspension
• Capmist DM Tablets
• Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold
• Children's Robitussin Cough & Cold CF
• Deconex DMX Tablets
• Dextromethorphan/phenylephrine/guaifenesin
• Dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine/guaifenesin
• ExeFen DMX Tablets
• Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cough
• Q-Tussin CF Liquid
• Robafen CF Liquid
• Robitussin Peak Cold Maximum Strength Multi-Symptom Cold
• Robitussin Peak Cold Multi-Symptom Cold