Robitussin DAC

Robitussin DAC/Cheratussin DAC

Combination of
codeine	Antitussive
pseudoephedrine	Decongestant
guaifenesin	Expectorant
Clinical data
Routes of administration	Oral
Legal status
Legal status	US: Schedule V

Robitussin DAC (more commonly known as its generic form, Cheratussin DAC) is an exempt narcotic cold medicine, which is available in the United States in a solution. A version without pseudoephedrine is called Robitussin AC. Cherastussin DAC and AC are manufactured by Qualitest. Under U.S. federal law, up to four ounces can be purchased within a 48 hour period without prescription, provided the purchaser is at least 18 years of age, sign a log book, and provide identification if not known to the pharmacist. However, many states nonetheless prohibit sale without prescription, or have restrictions on purchase. For example, New Jersey law specifies that a person can purchase no more than 4 four ounce bottles per year. Some states permit the sale of no more than two ounces at a time without a prescription. Even in states that allow purchase without prescription, the drug may be very difficult to purchase without one as pharmacists can and do exercise pharmaceutical discretion, and very commonly decline to sell the drug without prescription. This is particularly true when the individual is not known to the pharmacist.

Ingredients

Each 5 mL of Robitussin DAC contains 10 mg of codeine (an opiate), 100 mg of guaifenesin (an expectorant), and 30 mg of pseudoephedrine (a decongestant).

Indications

Robitussin DAC is used to treat acute cough, mucus buildup and nasal congestion. Because this medicine contains codeine, it is usually only prescribed when a patient has a painful and persistent cough, and/or one that interferes with the patient's sleep cycle.

Warnings

Robitussin DAC should not be used by anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients in it. Overdose may cause breathing problems because of the presence of the opiate codeine. Overdose may also cause cardiac arrhythmia.

Robitussin AC/Cheratussin AC

Robitussin AC is Robitussin DAC without the Pseudoephedrine. The taste mimics cherries but is said to have an unpleasant after-taste. The version of Robitussin AC/Cheratussin AC with Promethazine is usually flavored peach-mint or grape/menthol. These syrups are purple instead of red. Robitussin AC and Cheratussin AC have a 3.5% alcohol content, and the versions with promethazine have 7% alcohol.

Robitussin AC/Cheratussin AC

Combination of
Codeine	Antitussive
Guaifenesin	Expectorant
Clinical data
Routes of administration	Oral
Legal status
Legal status	US: Schedule V

External links

• The Walgreens Drug information site for Cheratussin DAC
• Drugs.com medicine listing for Robitussin DAC
• McGraw-Hill's Access Pharmacy's Pharmacy and Federal Drug Law Review