Cold medicine with cephalexin

Dear Ask The Doctor: I am currently taking cephalexin for an ingrown infected toenail and I recently got a cold, so I was wondering if I could take medicine like robitussin even though I'm taking cephalexin for a different thing or if I can't take cold medicine

Dear Victoria: Most of the cases of flu are viral in origin and usually last a week to 10 days and no treatment is required. Since you are on cephalexin, this will cover any bacterial infection that may be present with the cold. You can definitely take cough medications like robitussin which contain an expectorant and a cough suppressant. I would advise you to take robitissin at bedtime as it may cause drowsiness if taken during the day. I wish you a speedy recovery, take care.