Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin

Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin is a combination medicine that treats cough and chest congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use.

Your dose may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication mistakes by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Follow all directions when giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You may need to shake the liquid before you measure a dose. Follow all directions on the label.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Dissolve the effervescent tablets in at least 4 ounces of water. Stir and drink right away. Add more water to the glass, swirl and drink.

Sprinkle the granules directly onto your tongue and swallow right away.

Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medicine.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.

Follow the storage instructions provided with this medicine. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you are currently using or have used an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. A serious drug interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

You should not take dextromethorphan and guaifenesin if you are allergic to it.

Do not use dextromethorphan and guaifenesin if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• a cough with mucus; or
• asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

dextromethorphan and guaifenesin may cause serious side effects. Stop using dextromethorphan and guaifenesin and call your doctor right away if you have:

• mood changes;
• severe headache; or
• severe dizziness or anxiety, feeling like you might faint.

Common side effects of dextromethorphan and guaifenesin may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• trouble sleeping (insomnia);
• diarrhea; or
• feeling nervous, restless, anxious, or irritable.

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

dextromethorphan and guaifenesin can be taken as needed. If you have missed a dose while on a dosing schedule, skip that dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how dextromethorphan and guaifenesin will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

• Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicines that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.