Addiction Drug Use Opioids Print How Long Robitussin A-C Stays in Your System By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial process Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 10, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on September 23, 2019 mikroman6 / Getty Images More in Addiction Drug Use Opioids Cocaine Heroin Marijuana Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery How long Robitussin A-C is detectable in the body depends on several variables, including which kind drug test is being used. Robitussin A-C—which contains guaifenesin (an expectorant) and codeine (a narcotic cough suppressant)—can be detected for a shorter time with some tests, but can be "visible" for up to three months in other tests. The timetable for detecting Robitussin A-C in the system is also dependent upon each individual's metabolism, body mass, age, hydration level, physical activity, health conditions, and other factors, making it almost impossible to determine an exact time Robitussin A-C will show up on a drug test. The following is an estimated range of times, or detection windows, during which the codeine product in Robitussin A-C can be detected by various testing methods: Urine. Robitussin A-C can be detected in a urine test for up to 2-4 days.Blood. Blood tests for Robitussin A-C can detect the drug for up to 12 hours.Saliva. A saliva test can detect Robitussin A-C for 2-4 days.Hair. Robitussin A-C, like many other drugs, can be detected with a hair follicle drug test for up to 90 days. Avoiding an Overdose You need to know how long Robitussin A-C stays in the system to avoid taking too much too quickly and having an accidental overdose. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of a codeine overdose: Bluish skin (fingernails and lips)Breathing slow and laboredCold, clammy skinComaConfusionConstipationDizzinessDrowsinessFatigueLightheadednessLoss of consciousnessLow blood pressureMuscle twitchesTiny pupilsSpasms of the stomach and intestinesWeaknessWeak pulse If you or someone in your care has overdosed on Robitussin A-C call 911 (or your local emergency number) for immediate medical help. Another option is the calling the national Poison Control help line at 800-222-1222. The hotline is a free and confidential service that can be reached any time of day. It does not have to be an emergency for you to call. The help line will connect you with an expert in poisoning who can advise you of what steps to take next (as well as what you should not do if someone has overdosed on a medication). Robitussin A-C and Alcohol Reaction Because Robitussin A-C contains codeine, consuming alcohol while using the cough syrup can increase the risk of overdose and cause other negative reactions, including drowsiness and dizziness. Taking Robitussin A-C can make you feel sleepy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Alcohol can intensify these effects. Mixing alcohol with Robitussin A-C may cause you to have problems concentrating or performing some mechanical tasks; make it more dangerous to drive; and increase the risk of falls and serious injuries. Drinking alcohol while using Robitussin A-C is especially dangerous for women and older people. When women drink, the alcohol in their bloodstream usually reaches higher levels than in a man's bloodstream. Aging slows down the body's ability to metabolize alcohol, leaving higher concentrations in the system of older drinkers longer. Medications You Should Never Mix With Alcohol Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Association for Clinical Chemistry " Drugs of Abuse Testing." Lab Tests Online. Revised 2 January 2013. LabCorp, Inc. " Drugs of Abuse Reference Guide." OHS Health & Safety Services. "How long do drugs stay in your system?" U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Codeine overdose." Drugs, Herbs, and Supplements. October 2015.