Sunday, November 23, 2014

Can these medications be given together for my child?

      We are commonly asked if different medications can be given together. This is an appropriate question to ask because there are medications that should NOT be given together. The good news is so many of the medications given to children can safely be given together.

All of the following medications can safely be given together:
Antibiotics including amoxicillin, cefdinir/Omnicef®, amoxicillin-clavulanate/Augmentin®, azithromycin/Zithromax®, cephalexin/Keflex®, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole/Bactrim®.

Antihistamines including Benadryl®/diphenhydramine, Claritin®/loratadine, Zyrtec®/cetirizine, and Allegra®/fexofenadine.

Decongestants including pseudoephedrine/Sudafed®.

Cough suppressants including dextromethoraphan, the active ingredient in over the counter cough medications including Delsym®.  It also includes codeine-containing cough medications that are prescription-only, such as Hycodan® (hydrocodone and homotropine)

Fever reducers/pain relievers including acetaminophen/Tylenol® and ibuprofen/Motrin® and Advil®.

Antacids such as calcium carbonate/Tums®, aluminum carbonate/Maalox® and Mylanta®, ranitidine/Zantac®, omeprazole/Prilosec®, lansoprazole/Prevacid®, and esomeprazole/Nexium®.

Medications used to treat ADD and ADHD including Concerta®, Vyvanse®, Adderall® and Adderall XR®, Focalin® and Focalin XR®, Intuniv®, Strattera®, Quillivant®, Daytrana®, and Kapvay®.

Medications used to treat anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder including Prozac®, Zoloft®, citalopram/Celexa®, Welbutrin®, and Paxil®.

Medications for asthma including albuterol, montelukast/Singulair®, and inhaled corticosteroids such as Qvar®, Flovent®, Pulmicort®, and others.

Nasal steroids for allergies such as Nasacort®, Nasonex®, Rhinocort®, Flonase®, and others.

     Any of the above medications can be given together at the same time or on the same day.