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We are aware of FDA’s proposed order to remove oral phenylephrine (PE) as a nasal decongestant from the OTC monograph. Note, FDA’s proposed order does not question the safety of oral PE, only efficacy. We have introduced several new formulations across our brand portfolios, to remove oral PE, to ensure product availability for consumers to treat their symptoms ahead of the 2024/2025 cold, cough, flu season and to provide new remedies and forms to ensure people have options.

Robitussin Real-World Evidence: Relief and Quality of Life Improvements from Day 1

More Than Just Symptom Relief

When you're battling a cough and cold, it's not just the symptoms that wear you down—it’s the disruption to your sleep, your social life, and your ability to get through the day. Robitussin has long been trusted for effective cough relief, but we wanted to understand its broader impact on everyday life. That’s why we conducted the first Real-World Evidence (RWE) study in the cough and cold category—to see how Robitussin helps people feel better and live better, starting from Day 1.

Couple hugging on the couch

Our Study

We evaluated Robitussin Maximum Strength products in a two-arm, decentralized, randomized, open-label study. A total of 244 adult participants with cough associated with the common cold were recruited online and tracked for up to 7 days using the validated WURSS-21 questionnaire—a tool designed to measure both symptom relief and quality of life (QoL).

Products Studied

  • Daytime: Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough & Chest Congestion DM
    (Dextromethorphan HBr 20 mg, Guaifenesin 400 mg)
  • Nighttime: Robitussin Maximum Strength Nighttime Cough DM
    (Dextromethorphan HBr 30 mg, Doxylamine Succinate 12.5 mg)

Key Findings: Relief That Starts on Day 1

From day 1 of use, participants reported statistically significant improvements in several primary endpoints—including total symptom burden and overall quality of life domain scores. Cough, one of the most disruptive cold symptoms, also showed meaningful relief from Day 1.

Beyond symptom relief, the study also captured meaningful improvements in daily functioning. Participants reported better sleep quality, increased comfort in social settings, and greater ability to resume normal routines.

FROM DAY 1:

Sleep

  • 88% - 94% reported better sleep quality—falling asleep more easily and sleeping through the night.

Social Confidence

  • 84% - 87% felt more comfortable participating in social activities.
  • 78% - 82% worried less about coughing in public.

Daily Functioning

  • Participants saw marked improvements in energy, motivation, and ability to complete everyday tasks like work and household chores.

Why This Matters

Robitussin does more than relieve cough—it helps consumers get back to daily life. Improvements in sleep, social confidence, and the ability to manage everyday tasks began as early as Day 1, making a meaningful difference during cold and flu season. Whether it's getting better rest, feeling more at ease in social settings, or resuming work and household responsibilities, Robitussin supports recovery in ways that matter most.

And consumers agree—93% of participants said they would use Robitussin again to treat their cough or cold, reflecting strong satisfaction with the product.

Real People. Real Relief. Real-World Results.

This study confirms what Robitussin users have known for years: relief starts fast, and it goes beyond the cough. With Robitussin, you’re not just treating symptoms—you’re reclaiming your routine, your rest, and your confidence.