Tamiflu With Mucinex And Ibuprofen

SRP asked

Am I able to take 75mg of oseltamivir phosphate, 1200mg of Mucinex and 800mg of ibuprofen together? I was diagnosed with having the flu,

Answer

There is no known interaction between Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), Mucinex (guaifenesin) and ibuprofen. They are all considered safe to take together.^[1]

In fact, Tamiflu has very few reported drug interactions at all and is generally safe to take with other medications that could help relieve the symptoms of the flu.

Analgesics (e.g. ibuprofen and acetaminophen), expectorants (e.g. guaifenesin), cough suppressants (e.g. dextromethorphan) and antihistamines (e.g. loratadine), all of which can provide symptomatic flu relief, are fine to use (and may be recommended by your doctor).

Tamiflu Drug Interactions

As mentioned, Tamiflu has few reported drug interactions.

The two that are listed in the prescribing information for the drug are:^[2]

• Probenecid
• Live flu vaccine

Live Flu Vaccine

Since Tamiflu is an antiviral drug, it makes sense that it could potentially reduce the effectiveness of a vaccine that utilizes the live flu virus.

It is recommended to separate the dosing of the live flu vaccine at least 2 weeks before or 48 hours after taking Tamiflu, as stated in the prescribing information:

However, because of the potential for TAMIFLU to inhibit replication of live vaccine virus and possibly reduce the efficacy of LAIV [live attenuated influenza vaccine], avoid administration of LAIV within 2 weeks before or 48 hours after TAMIFLU administration, unless medically indicated.

Probenecid

Probenecid is a drug used for the treatment of gout. Studies show that giving Tamiflu with probenecid results in increased Tamiflu concentrations (nearly two-fold).

However, since Tamiflu has few side effects and is thought to have a very wide therapeutic index, even if you take probenecid, no dosage adjustments are recommended. You just may be more at risk of experiencing certain side effects, such as:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

OTCs Safe With Tamiflu

You can feel safe taking most over the counter products that could help provide flu symptom relief with Tamiflu.

The following have no known interactions with Tamiflu and can be taken together in most situations:

• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Advil, Motrin (ibuprofen)
• Delsym (dextromethorphan)
• Mucinex (guaifenesin)
• Robitussin (guaifenesin)
• Aleve (naproxen)
• Claritin (loratadine)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)
• Allegra (fexofenadine)
• Xyzal (levocetirizine)
• Dimetapp (brompheniramine)
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

As everyone's medical situation is unique, you may want to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of the above medications to ensure they don't interfere with other drugs you may be taking.