This combination medication is used to temporarily treat
cough and runny/stuffy nose (nasal congestion) caused by infections (such
as the common cold), allergies (such as hay fever), and other breathing
illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking
or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema)
unless directed by your doctor. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by
thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and
making breathing easier. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant
(sympathomimetic). It reduces nasal congestion by narrowing the blood
vessels in the nose.
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 long-acting products 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 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,
usually every 12 hours with a full glass of water or as directed by your
doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk. If you are
self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. To prevent
trouble sleeping, do not take this medication close to bedtime. If you have
any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Swallow the capsules whole and do not open them. Do not
crush or chew the capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug
at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the
tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells
you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or
chewing.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and
response to treatment. Do not take more than 2 doses in a day. Do not
increase your dose or take this drug more often than
directed.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.
Caffeine can increase the side effects of this
medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine
(coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking
nonprescription products that contain caffeine.
Tell your doctor if your condition is accompanied by a
headache that doesn't go away, fever, severe sore throat, rash, or if it
lasts, returns, 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.
Nausea or headache may occur. If either of these effects
last or get worse, tell 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- dizziness
- fainting
- fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, nervousness,
irritability)
- shaking (tremor)
- trouble sleeping
- difficult/painful urination
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 medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to pseudoephedrine or guaifenesin; or if you
have any other allergies. Also tell your doctor if you have had a bad
reaction to similar drugs (sympathomimetics such as ephedrine,
phenylephrine). 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
- high blood pressure
- heart disease (such as chest pain, heart failure, heart
attack)
- fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
- diabetes
- a certain eye problem (glaucoma)
- kidney problems
- difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate)
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. 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).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug, especially nervousness, irritability, and high blood
pressure.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially fast/irregular heartbeat, dizziness, problems
urinating, trouble sleeping, or confusion.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
Pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk. It is unknown
if guaifenesin 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 MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a
serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors
(isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide,
phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline,
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.
Pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin are available in both
prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your
medications carefully to make sure you are not taking more than one product
containing these medications.
This medication 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: severe
dizziness/fainting, fast irregular heartbeat, slow/fast/shallow breathing,
hallucinations, 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. 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.