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Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine, and Dextromethorphan
What is it? Overview Usage Side Effects and Warnings
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Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine, and Dextromethorphan Overview

Written by FoundHealth.

(gwye FEN e sin, soo doe e FED rin, & deks troe meth OR fan)

U.S. Brand Names

Ambifed-G DM; Coldmist DM [DSC]; ExeFen-DMX; Maxifed DM; Maxifed DMX; Medent-DM; Profen Forte™ DM; Profen II DM®; Pseudo Max DMX; Pseudovent™ DM [DSC]; Relacon-DM NR; Robitussin® Cough and Cold CF [OTC]; Robitussin® Cough and Cold Infant CF [OTC]; Robitussin® Cough and Cold [OTC]; Ru-Tuss DM; SudaTex-DM; Touro® CC; Touro® CC-LD; Tri-Vent™ DM [DSC]; Trikof-D® [DSC]; Tusnel Liquid®; Tusnel Pediatric®; Tusnel-DM Pediatric®; Z-Cof™ 12DM

Canadian Brand Names

Balminil DM + Decongestant + Expectorant; Benylin® DM-D-E; Koffex DM + Decongestant + Expectorant; Novahistex® DM Decongestant Expectorant; Novahistine® DM Decongestant Expectorant; Robitussin® Cough & Cold®

Pharmacologic Category

Antitussive/Decongestant/Expectorant

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

• Talk with healthcare provider before giving this medicine to a child. Check all of your child's medicines, including over-the-counter, with healthcare provider.

• This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.

How does it work?

• Guaifenesin thins fluids in the lungs.

• Pseudoephedrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages.

• Dextromethorphan affects the cough center in the brain.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• A liquid (drops, solution, syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect caplets, capsules, and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2005-04-07 16:46:29.0

Modified: 2010-03-09 08:24:08.0

Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.

 
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