Codeine and guaifenesin

Codeine is a narcotic that helps stop coughing. It works on the brain signals that make you cough.

Guaifenesin is a medicine that helps clear mucus in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough it out.

Codeine and guaifenesin is a combination medicine used to treat cough and chest congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Codeine and guaifenesin will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Codeine and guaifenesin may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Codeine can slow or stop your breathing. Never use codeine and guaifenesin in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Codeine may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Never share codeine and guaifenesin with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Selling or giving away codeine is against the law.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Codeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Codeine can slow or stop your breathing and may lead to addiction. MISUSE OF codeine and guaifenesin CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or anyone using the medicine without a prescription.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18.

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to codeine or guaifenesin.

In some people, codeine breaks down quickly in the liver and can reach higher than normal levels in the body. This can lead to dangerously slow breathing and may result in death, especially in a child.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18.

To ensure codeine and guaifenesin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a cough with mucus;
• asthma, COPD, or another breathing disorder;
• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
• a head injury or brain tumor;
• low blood pressure; or
• drug or alcohol addiction.

If you use codeine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breast-feed. Codeine can pass into breast milk and may cause drowsiness, breathing problems, or death in a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Like other narcotic medications, codeine can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue-colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing;
• a slow heart rate or weak pulse;
• severe dizziness or drowsiness;
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• little or no urinating;
• severe constipation; or
• slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who are overweight, malnourished, or weakened.

Common side effects of codeine and guaifenesin may include:

• constipation; or
• mild drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Cough:

1 dose orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed -Codeine: Single dose: up to 20 mg; Maximum dose: 120 mg in 24 hours-Guaifenesin: Single dose: up to 400 mg; Maximum dose: 2400 mg in 24 hoursMaximum dose should not exceed maximum dose of either of the single ingredient dosesComments: -Liquid preparations should be measured with an accurate milliliter measuring device.-This combination drug should not be used in patients with chronic pulmonary disease or shortness of breath unless directed by a health care professional. Uses: Temporary relief of coughs due to minor throat and bronchial irritations as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants; helps loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to make cough more productive.

Since codeine and guaifenesin is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule and forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A codeine overdose can be life-threatening, especially in a child or anyone using the medicine without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include slow breathing and heart rate, severe drowsiness, muscle weakness, cold and clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, and fainting.

codeine and guaifenesin may affect your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can lead to falls or other accidents.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could happen.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cough or cold medicine. Many combination medicines contain guaifenesin. Taking certain products together can lead to getting too much of this medicine.

Taking codeine and guaifenesin with other medications that can make you drowsy or slow down your breathing can lead to serious side effects or even death. Consult your doctor before using a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medications for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other medications may interact with codeine and guaifenesin, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medicine you begin or stop using.