Cough Medicine

[JetService]

I posted about being low few weeks ago (1.7). After two weeks with no changes in dosage, my next test came in at 3.7. The only thing I did different was take a lot of cough syrup for a cough. It was a generic version of Vicks Formula 44D. Does anyone know if this cough syrup is would affect INR so profoundly? Thanks!

 

[Ross]

I can't find the page I'm looking for, but I think it's due to the alcohol in Vicks or generic look alikes. Maybe Al can clarify here. I know I was told not to take Vicks products but I could take Robitussin products.

 

[Bryan B]

Jet,

Look on the side of the cough syrup box and see if it has alcohol in the ingredients and if so what percentage. I know some cough and cold syrups can have as much as 25% alcohol content (Nyquil in particular). If so that may be the problem.

 

[JimChicago]

Here's a site that lists the ingredients:
From:
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=11216&catid=11733&trx=29384&tab=0#0
>>>

Active Ingredients: Per tablespoonful (15ml): Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide (30 mg), Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride (60 mg)

Inactive Ingredients: Alcohol, Carboxylmethylcellulose Sodium, Citric Acid, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #40, Flavor, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyethylene Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Purified Water, Saccharin Sodium, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Citrate
>>>>

It does have alcohol in it.

I got a cough syrup called Sambucol that is made from elderberry extract - as far as I know it doesn't interact with coumadin but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[Guest]

I don't think that you could get enough alcohol this way to make any difference. However, being sick and not being active and not eating will raise the INR.