Cold & Flu Treatment Over the Counter Before You Buy Robitussin Cough and Cold CF By Kristina Duda, RN Kristina Duda, RN Verywell Health's Facebook Verywell Health's LinkedIn Verywell Health's Twitter Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 24, 2020 Fact checked by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall Verywell Health's LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print Robitussin Cough and Cold is an over the counter cough suppressant, expectorant, and nasal decongestant. This multi-symptom medication helps relieve cough and cold symptoms. People Images / Digital Vision / Getty Images Active Ingredients (in each 5 ml tablespoon): Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg (cough suppressant)Guaifenesin 100 mg (expectorant)Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg (nasal decongestant) Uses for Robitussin Cough and Cold CF: Temporary relief of cough due to throat irritation from:Common ColdFluInhaled Irritants Side Effects of Robitussin Cough and Cold CF Most medicines can cause some side effects. Not everyone will experience all of these, but you should be aware of them if you take this medication.Drowsiness or weaknessMild skin rashNausea or upset stomachMild headache Dosage: Children:ages 6 to 12—One teaspoon every 4 hours. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours.ages 2 to 6—One half (1/2) teaspoon every 4 hours. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours.under age 2—Do not use.Adults 12 and older—Two teaspoons every 4 hours as needed for cough. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours.This medicine may help loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to make your cough more productive, which helps get rid of the mucus in your chest more quickly. It can also relieve nasal congestion from the common cold and flu. If you are coughing frequently, it might reduce the frequency of your cough, so you won't be coughing as often. Rare but serious side effects that should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately:ConfusionTremor or muscle contractionsSlurred speechSevere nausea and vomitingSevere, persistent, or worsening headacheHigh blood pressure or numbness or tingling in the hands or feetExcessive sweatingDizziness or fainting spellsExcitement, nervousness, or restlessness Warnings: Do not use this medication if you are taking an MAOI (medication for depression, psychiatric, emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease) or for two weeks after stopping an MAOI. Do not use in children under 12 years old. However, be aware of myths. Ask a Healthcare Provider Before Use Talk to your healthcare provider before you take Robitussin Cough and Cold CF if you have the following conditions: If you have a chronic cough that is caused by asthma, smoking, or emphysema If you have a cough that produces a lot of mucous If you have heart disease or high blood pressure If you have thyroid disease If you have diabetes If you have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland If you are pregnant or breastfeeding Caution Stop use and ask healthcare provider if:You have pain or cough that worsens or lasts more than 7 daysCough occurs with fever, headache or rash won't go awayYou get nervous, dizzy or sleepless while taking this medicine By Kristina Duda, RN Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit