HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Does Robitussin DM Work As An Alternative For Bramfed?

I was prescribed Bramfed today, but the pharmacy was out of it and so the doctor s assistant called and said for me to get Robitussin DM because it was the same thing. After purchasing the Rob DM, I came home and realized that I ve been taking Mucinex DM which is the same thing, but is actually a little bit stronger. With that being said, the Mucinex hasn t really been working, so I don t think the Rob DM is going to either. Do you know if the Bramfed would have been more effective (my question mark isn t working on my keyboard). They didn t even swab me to see if had anything. They prescribed me antibiotics so I questioned if I had an infection and they said no we don t think you have an infection (even though I have been coughing up yellow and green phlegm). So I questioned why the antibiotics if there s no infection and the answer I was given was, well, it will help clear up whatever it is you have going on . I m just not sure if I should take the antibiotics if what I have is viral. I feel like today was such a waste of a visit and time. Please help. Thank you.
Tue, 24 Jun 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Most cough syrups containing antihistmaines, guaphenesin or dextromethorphan are no more effective in suppressing cough or helping to bring up mucus than a spoonful of honey. The only cough suppressant that has been proven to be effective is Codeine Phosphate (which is an active ingredient in some syrups) Productive cough is usually viral. Sometimes it is caused by atypical bacteria, but in young, healthy people antibiotics have not been shown to make a difference in recovery time even in these bacterial "bronchitis" infections. If you have high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath or can't get out of bed, then you might have a real pneumonia and this should be confirmed/ruled out by chest X-Ray. Antibiotics are recommended for Pneumonia. If you don't have any of the above symptoms I would hold off on the antibiotics. In any case, get plenty of fluids and rest. (By the way, throat swabs and sputum cultures would not be useful in your case and the doctors were correct in not swabbing you.)
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Guaifenesin


Loading Online Doctors....
Does Robitussin DM Work As An Alternative For Bramfed?

Most cough syrups containing antihistmaines, guaphenesin or dextromethorphan are no more effective in suppressing cough or helping to bring up mucus than a spoonful of honey. The only cough suppressant that has been proven to be effective is Codeine Phosphate (which is an active ingredient in some syrups) Productive cough is usually viral. Sometimes it is caused by atypical bacteria, but in young, healthy people antibiotics have not been shown to make a difference in recovery time even in these bacterial bronchitis infections. If you have high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath or can t get out of bed, then you might have a real pneumonia and this should be confirmed/ruled out by chest X-Ray. Antibiotics are recommended for Pneumonia. If you don t have any of the above symptoms I would hold off on the antibiotics. In any case, get plenty of fluids and rest. (By the way, throat swabs and sputum cultures would not be useful in your case and the doctors were correct in not swabbing you.) Wishing you a speedy recovery!