This combination medication is used to relieve coughs
caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses.
Guaifenesin belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. It works by
thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and
making breathing easier. Dextromethorphan belongs to a class of drugs known
as cough suppressants. It acts on a part of the brain (cough center) to
reduce the urge to cough.
If you are self-treating with this medication, it is
important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using
this product to be sure it is right for you. (See also Precautions
section.)
Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe
or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product to
treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically
directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting
tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12
years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your
product safely.
These products do not cure or shorten the length of the
common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for
serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use
this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold
medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also
Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways
to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a
humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as
directed by your doctor. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on
the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.
Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and
response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more
often than directed.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct
dose.
For powder packets, empty the entire contents of the
packet onto the tongue and swallow. To prevent a bitter taste, do not chew.
If you are taking the capsule form, swallow the capsule
whole.
Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in
serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, death). Do not increase your
dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than
directed.
Tell your doctor if your cough returns, or if it is
accompanied by a headache that doesn't go away, fever, severe sore throat,
rash, or if it lasts or gets worse after 7 days. These may be signs of a
serious medical problem. Get medical help right away if you think you may
have a serious medical problem.
Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting may occur.
If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to guaifenesin or dextromethorphan; or if you have any
other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can
cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- breathing problems (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis,
asthma, smoker's cough)
- cough with blood or large amounts of mucus
- liver problems
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or
alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any
other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your
diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product
safely.
The liquid forms and powder packets of this medication
may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other
condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or
phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this
medication safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if guaifenesin or dextromethorphan passes
into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Taking certain MAO inhibitors with this medication may
cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking
isocarboxazid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine,
procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, or tranylcypromine during
treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be
taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor
when to start or stop taking this medication.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
Guaifenesin and dextromethorphan are available in both
prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your
medications to make sure you are not taking more than one product
containing guaifenesin or dextromethorphan.
Guaifenesin may interfere with certain lab tests (such
as urine levels of certain acids), possibly causing false test results.
Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
extreme drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, hallucinations, slow/shallow
breathing, seizures.
If your doctor prescribed this medication, do not share
this medication with others.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this
medication. Different brands of this medication have different storage
needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your
brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.