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.
