dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine

Pronunciation:

dex TRO met THOR fan gwey FEN eh sin and sudo e fed dreen

Brand:

Altarussin CF, Ambenyl-D, Ambifed-G DM, Anatuss DM, Benylin Multi-Symptom Cough, Daytime Liquicap, Dimacol, Dorcol Childrens Cough, Guaifenex DM RX, Multi Symptom Cough and Cold, Novahistine DMX, PanMist-DM, Profen Forte DM, Profen II DM, Profen II DM Liquid, Protuss DM, Relacon-DM NR, Rhinosyn-X, Robitussin CF, Robitussin Cold and Cough, Robitussin Pediatric Cough and Decongestant, Ru-Tuss Expectorant, S-Pak DM, Suda-Tussin DM, Sudafed Cough, Sudafed Cough Syrup, Syn-Rx DM, Touro CC, Touro CC-LD, Tussafed-LA, Tussin Cough and Cold

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

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

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine.

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

Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.

Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

What is dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It suppresses an area in the brain that causes coughing.

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

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow, which decreases swelling and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to open up.

Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine is used to treat symptoms of the common cold, nasal congestion, sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), and coughs associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

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

Who should not take dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Do not take dextromethorphan, 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 drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

kidney or liver disease,
diabetes,
glaucoma,
any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,
thyroid disease,
emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or
difficulty urinating or have an enlarged prostate.

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

It is not known whether dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

This medication passes into breast milk and may affect 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 dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

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

Take the tablets with a full glass of water.

Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

Store dextromethorphan, 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 the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine overdose include dry mouth, slurred speech, restlessness, a feeling of poor coordination, difficulty breathing, seizures, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, hyperactivity, and hallucinations.

What should I avoid while taking dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

What are the possible side effects of dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

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

dryness of the eyes, nose, or mouth;
drowsiness, dizziness or headache;
blurred vision;
difficulty urinating;
nausea or stomach upset.

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 dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

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

Where can I get more information?

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

What does my medication look like?

Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine is available over the counter under several brand names. Generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

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.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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