Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• Guaifenesin is used to help bring up phlegm, thin secretions, and make a cough productive.
• Dextromethorphan is used to stop the coughing.

How does it work?

• Guaifenesin decreases the stickiness of the breathing tubes and allows the fluid to flow more easily.
• Dextromethorphan affects the cough reflex in the brain.

How is it best taken?

• Take with 1 glass of water unless healthcare provider decreases fluid intake.
• Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• A liquid (syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
• Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• This medicine may also be taken on an as needed basis depending on relief of symptoms, duration of cold, or allergy.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake.
• Not for coughs due to smoking, asthma, or COPD.
• 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, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the same?

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• If cough continues for more than 1 week or tends to return.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• 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.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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