guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine

Pronunciation:

gwye FEN e sin/soo doe e FED rin

Brand:

Ambifed-G, Anatuss LA, Congestac, Decongest II, Deconsal L.A., Defen-LA, Entex PSE, Eudal SR, Fenex-PSE, Guai-Vent/PSE, Guaibid D, Guaifed, Guaifed-PD, Guaifed-PSE, Guaifenex PSE 120, Guaifenex PSE 60, Guaifenex RX, Guaitab, Guaivent (Ethex), Guaivent PD, Guiatuss PE, Humibid GC, Iosal II, Nalex, Nasabid, Panmist LA, Poly-Vent, Respaire-120 SR, Respaire-60 SR, Robitussin PE, Robitussin Severe Congestion, Ru Tuss DE, S-Pack, Sinufed, Sinutab Non Drying, Stamoist E, Syn-Rx, Touro LA, Tuss-LA, Tussin PE, Versacaps, Zephrex, Zephrex LA

What is the most important information I should know about guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Drink plenty of extra fluid while you are taking this medication.

Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where they are scored to make them easier to swallow.

What is guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It is used to break up congestion and mucous to help you breathe easier. Guaifenesin thins mucous, increases the lubrication of your respiratory tract (lungs, nose and throat), and increases the removal of mucous.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries), which reduces the swelling of mucous membranes in areas such your nose and sinuses. Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine helps to open airways and decrease the amount of fluid in your respiratory tract to make it easier for you to breathe.

Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine is used to treat the symptoms of the common cold and of infections of your sinuses, your lungs, and your throat.

Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Do not take guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very serious drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

high blood pressure or any other type of heart disease,
diabetes,
a peripheral vascular disorder (poor circulation to your hands and feet),
glaucoma or high pressure in the eye,
an overactive thyroid, or
difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine has not been approved for use in children younger than 6 years of age.

How should I take guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Take guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Increase your fluid intake during the day to help relieve your congestion.

Take guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine with food if it upsets your stomach.

Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where they are scored to make them easier to swallow.

Store guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine overdose include vomiting, high blood pressure (headache, redness of face, blurred vision), an irregular heartbeat, and numbness of your fingers or toes.

What should I avoid while taking guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

No serious side effects from guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine therapy are expected. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine and talk to your doctor if you experience

dizziness or headache;
nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia;
nausea or stomach upset; or
difficulty urinating.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Heart medications such as methyldopa (Aldomet), reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil), and guanethidine (Ismelin) may have decreased effects. Talk to your doctor before taking guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine if you are taking any of these medications.

Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, allergies, or dieting unless your doctor or pharmacist approves. Many other preparations contain pseudoephedrine or similar drugs and you may accidently overdose.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine is available with a prescription under several brand and generic names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Entex PSE, 600 mg of guaifenesin and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine --yellow, scored tablets
Guai-Vent PSE, 300 mg of guaifenesin and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine--white, scored tablets
Duratuss, 600 mg of guaifenesin and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine--white, film-coated, dye-free, oval-shaped, scored tablets
Guaifed, 250 mg of guaifenesin and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine--opaque-white/clear capsules with white beads
Guaifed-PD, 300 mg of guaifenesin and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine--blue/clear capsules with white beads
SYN-Rx 14 Day Treatment Regimen--28 dark-blue, elongated scored tablets containing 600 mg of guaifenesin and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine each and 28 light-green, elongated, scored tablets containing 600 mg of guaifenesin each
SYN-Rx DM 14 Day Treatment Regimen--28 light-blue, elongated, scored tablets containing 600 mg of guaifenesin and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine each and 28 yellow, elongated, scored tablets containing 600 mg of guaifenesin and 30 mg of dextromethorphan each
Deconsal II, 600 mg of guaifenesin and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine--dark-blue, scored tablets
Congess SR, 250 mg of guaifenesin and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine--blue/pink capsules
Congess JR, 125 mg of guaifenesin and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine--blue/pink capsules
Guaimax-D, 600 mg of guaifenesin and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine--off-white to white, uncoated, scored tablets

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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