Can Robitussin AC be bought without a prescription?
Question posted by primetimegrape on 20 Aug 2011
Last updated on 18 January 2020
I have read this on several websites and it states it also in Wikipedia. I am confused because this medicine has codeine in it, yet it says u can buy 4 ounces at the pharmacy if u are over 18? It reads like this:Robitussin DAC (more commonly known as its generic form, Cheratussin DAC) is an exempt narcotic cold medicine, which is available in the United States in a solution. A version without pseudoephedrine is called Robitussin AC. Cherastussin DAC and AC are manufactured by Qualitest. Under U.S. federal law, up to four ounces can be purchased within a 48 hour period without prescription, provided the purchaser is at least 18 years of age, sign a log book, and provide identification if not known to the ..
Yes i just did in iowa ... cheratussin ac 4oz with a phone call to find it (nw ia hyvee) had it for $13 an id and Signature in the Narcotic sales and transfers log idk how offten or if it per address or per name
Votes: +1
DU
dubyagirl
22 July 2015
I have purchased w/out prescription at KMart. ... asked at the window for Robitussin w/codeine, please. All I did was sign for it. This has been a while ago. Try searching for pharmacies that carry it. C
Votes: +1
MA
Marcygum
30 June 2015
I know that ten years ago you could buy this cough syrup with the low dose behind the counter. I used to all the time and sign the log book. I seriously doubt the dea allows this anymore. 6 months ago I received a prescription for this same syrup and was insulted and let the doctor know. He said thats all he prescribed. The dea has put the fear into drs and no one is willing to prescribe narcotics (at least) more than ten unless you go to a pain clinic or have cancer. It just takes sa few anonymous calls to a few pharmacies and try some mom and pops too.
Votes: +0
EM
embeck65
13 Feb 2015
Yes you can. How do I know this? Because my daughter gets it and she lives in Iowa. She goes to the pharmacist, asks for the codeine cough syrup, shows her ID and she gets it.
Votes: +0
CA
Capone1015
1 Nov 2016
Hey what city does she live in? I ask because I am in Iowa and am having a hell of a time finding it
DR
DrSpock
2 Jan 2013
Yes, it is true. However, it is in special 4 oz. bottles marked for over the counter sale in pharmacies. Some pharmacies may carry Robitussin AC, but may not carry the special 4 oz. "Over The Counter" variety. CVS Pharmacy for instance does not carry it in any store. However, its competitor Walgreen's Pharmacy does carry it in most locations. It is approximately $13 per 4 oz. Bottle and does contain Codine. Please Use Responsibly.
Votes: +2
DO
Doc65
30 Oct 2013
What was the last year 4 oz of cheratussinAC was sold behind the pharmacy counter by signing a registry in Arkansas.
SU
subsailorslady1980
24 Aug 2011
I seriously doubt that statement is true. Since Codeine is considered a "narcotic" and a controlled substance it is regulated by the FDA and it can not be purchased in this country without a valid prescription from a doctor. Now, in Canada Codeine is not a controlled substance and can be bought over the counter, they also have several different variations of tylenol that can be purchased with or without Codeine in it. If you are really curious about whether or not that statement is true you can call any pharmacy and ask. You can also go to the FDA's website and search for that federal law that you mentioned, although I don't think that you will get the answer that you seem to be looking for. My children have been on that medication and it has ALWAYS required a prescription regardless of how much of the medication needed. Hope this helped and good luck in your search.
Votes: +0
PF
pfog
1 Dec 2013
codeine is not 'considered' a narcotic. it IS a narcotic in the truest sense of the word ie sleep inducing and an opioid. and it is not regulated by the fda. it is regulated by the dea.
EM
embeck65
13 Feb 2015
Because your children are under 18 is the reason you need a prescription for it.
BI
BillieD22
13 March 2018
Yes it can at smaller drug stores I’ve bought it.
RO
Roger-e
4 Sep 2018
Robitussin AC is regulated as a drug by FDA and also by the DEA because it has a controlled substance.
