warfarin and cough medicine

[Rosendula]

I'm just recovering from a bad cough and cold. My son's now getting it and is off work today, my eldest daughter's off school today with it, and I think little Katie's getting it too. So poor Richard doesn't stand a chance.

Problem is, Richard has to take Warfarin for Thrombophilia and he said he can't even take cough medicine without asking the clinic first. Does anyone know what the answer will be when the time comes? Will they say he can't take anything at all? Or are there certain brands he can take? He's happy to take home-made medicines, but my usual honey, lemon and garlic concoction didn't touch my cough this time and I turned to Covonia out of desperation. I'm asking in advance of him getting it so I can be prepared - either make it now so it's ready, or buy some next time I'm out.

Thanks for any help you can give

[StripyPixieSocks]

Warfarin thins the blood and most cough medicines have Aspirin in them which also thins the blood and the combination could cause internal bleeding and is the reason he can't take them.

The only course of action is to ask your GP as no one here (I don't think) is knowledgeable to tell you what ingredients in cough medicine (apart from the obvious Aspirin) would interact with Warfarin or indeed would be suited to your husbands particular ailments.

If you ask them now, at least he will be prepared when / if he falls sick!

[Annpan]

Surely a good mug of honey, lemon and ginger - personally it doesn't work for me (I have been on the lemsips for the last few days ) but OH swears by it and could drink it by the gallon when he has a cold.

[Clara]

In any case I think he will need to contact his GP, but if it's a chesty cough I would recommend Potters Herbal Cough Remover as an alternative that really works, it's strong stuff and it comes with its own contraindications, you could always check out the label first, find it in health food stores.

[LBR]

Cough medicines can also have codeine in them. Definitely check with the doctor first. I've sometimes called a pharmacist and asked for any possible interactions or contraindications for over-the-counter things. It's very risky. I had a good friend on Warfarin, and often checked for her.

[Rosendula]

Thanks for replies so far. Please don't worry, though - he won't take anything without an OK from the clinic or his doctor (and I wouldn't let him ). I'm really just thinking along the lines of cutting down on last minute hassle or extra journeys. So if I end up making him something, if I need to buy any ingredients I can get them while I'm out at some point. Likewise, if I have to buy him 'proper' medicine, I can get it while I'm out rather than making a special journey. With Katie coming down with it as well, going out might become difficult over the next few days.

[Helsbells]

Angelica is supposed to be good for coughs.