Is Robitussin safe for diabetics? Can diabetics take Robitussin honey?

If you have diabetes and you catch a cold, you may wonder what cold medicine can you take safely. One of the questions you may have is whether Robitussin is safe for diabetics. Robitussin is a brand name for cough syrup that contains different active ingredients depending on the product.

Some of these ingredients may affect your blood sugar levels or interact with other medications you take for diabetes. Here are some things to consider before taking Robitussin if you have diabetes.

Robitussin products that contain sugar or alcohol can raise your blood sugar levels. You should look for sugar-free and alcohol-free options, such as Robitussin Sugar-Free Cough Control For People With Diabetes or Robitussin Sugar-free, Dye-free, Cough+Chest Congestion DM. These products contain dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant, and guaifenesin, which is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus and phlegm.

Robitussin products that contain decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. These effects can worsen complications of diabetes, such as kidney disease and hypertension. You should avoid or use with caution any Robitussin products that contain decongestants, such as Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold + Flu or Robitussin Peak Cold Nasal Relief.

Robitussin products that contain antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine, can cause drowsiness and interact with some diabetes medications, such as sulfonylureas. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any Robitussin products that contain antihistamines, such as Robitussin Nighttime Cough DM Max or Robitussin Allergy & Cough.

Robitussin products that contain acetaminophen, such as Robitussin Complete Daytime or Robitussin Complete Nighttime, can help with pain and fever, but they can also cause liver damage if taken in high doses or with alcohol. You should not take more than one product containing acetaminophen at a time or exceed the recommended dose.