Warfarin Institute of America
DEDICATED TO YOUR HEALTH SINCE 2000
What can I take for my cough / cold that won’t interfere with my warfarin?
There are many different cough/cold products available over the counter. Many of the products contain a combination of medications. Always be sure to check the box for a list of medications that a given product contains.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are used to relieve runny noses, watery eyes, itchy eyes, and sneezing.
There are several antihistamines that are available over the counter. These include; diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, pyrilamine, triprolidine, pheniramine, brompheniramine, and loratadine. These are all safe to use at the recommended dosages listed on the boxes.1
Decongestants
Decongestants are used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion. The available oral decongestants are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. Decongestants are also available as a topical nasal spray. The topical nasal sprays include oxymetazoline and phenylephrine. These are all safe to use at the recommended dosages listed on the boxes.1 Remember not to use topical nasal decongestants for longer than 3 days due to a rebound effect (worsening of congestion).
Antitussives
Antitussives are used to relieve cough. There is only one antitussive available over the counter and it is dextromethorphan. This is safe to use at the recommended dosages listed on the box.1
Analgesics / Antipyretics
Analgesics / antipyretics are used to relieve pain reduce fever and also reduce inflammation. The available analgesics / antipyretics available are acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Caution needs to be taken with these medications. Acetaminophen when taken at high doses can increase the INR. The INR (International Normalized Ratio) is a measure of your bloods ability to form a clot. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are all in the same drug class. This class is known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and all have antiplatelet affects (affect how your blood clots), increase your risk for a GI bleed, and prolong bleeding time. These drugs should be avoided if possible. Naproxen appears to be the best NSAID to use if needed, but should be avoided if possible.2
Remember to always contact your pharmacist, physician, and/or nurse when adding or stopping new medications especially if you have other health conditions, allergies, or are taking any other medication/supplement/herbal.
References:
1. Micromedex Healthcare Series, (electronic system). Thompson Micromedex, Greenwood Village, CO, USA. Available at http://0-www.thompsonhc.com.library.uchsc.edu (cited 2/8/07)
2. Clinical Pharmacology, (electronic version). Gold Standard, Tampa, FL, USA. Available at http://www.clinicalpharmacology.com (cited 2/8/07)
©2007 Matthew Thielbar Used by permission
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Last updated February 12, 2007
