wrfine tablets

what medicine can i take for nasel blocked and a nasty cough while i'm on warfine tablets

[J.M. Keyes, MD]

Most cough and cold medications are actually okay to take with Warfarin, as long as they don't contain any steroid or non-steroidal antiinflammatory (like Advil or Motrin).  These also thin the blood, and can be a problem when combined with Warfarin.

For a cough, try something like guaifenesin, like Robitussin Severe Congestion Liquagels or Mucinex.  Avoid dextramethorphan, like Robitussin DM.  It is okay to treat the symptoms of your cough, but if you are getting symptoms that point toward bacterial infection requiring antibiotics, make sure you see your doctor.  Examples of symptoms to watch for are fever, coughing up colored phlegm, pain in your chest when you cough, shortness of breath, or any symptoms lasting more than 10 days or so.  Smokers are more likely to get bacterial chest infections, so if you are, be especially aware of these symptoms.

For nasal congestion, your best bet is probably a nasal spray- you can try just plain saline spray, which has no active medication, or something like oxymetazoline (Afrin), if you have no other contraindications.  If you go for the Afrin, it shouldn't be taken for more than 3 or 4 days, because extended use can cause rebound congestion.  Again, be aware that a bacterial sinus infection can develop (significant facial pain/pressure, toothache, fever, thick yellow/green discharge).   If you develop these, or your symptoms aren't resolving, go to your doctor.

If you have other medical conditions,  or are on other medications, please be sure to run them by your pharmacist before buying anything for your cold.

JMK MD

[trucker151]

thank you for your help