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Duratuss AC
Generic name: codeine and dexbrompheniramine
What is Duratuss AC?
Duratuss AC is a combination medicine used for a short time to treat a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy nose or throat, watery eyes, and cough caused by a cold or allergies (hay fever).
Duratuss AC may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How should I take Duratuss AC?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as your doctor prescribed. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use.
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).
Do not use this medicine more often than directed.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a cough or nasal congestion that will not stop, fever, rash, or headaches.
Keep track of your medicine. Codeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Warnings
Do not use if you are taking a MAO inhibitor (certain antibiotics or medicines for anxiety, mood disorders, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping a MAO inhibitor. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use before taking Duratuss AC.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Duratuss AC if you are allergic to Duratuss AC.
Do not use if you are taking a MAO inhibitor (certain antibiotics or medicines for anxiety, mood disorders, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping a MAO inhibitor. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use before taking Duratuss AC.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have or have ever had:
- an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
- glaucoma;
- a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis;
- cough with severe mucus, or cough caused by asthma, smoking, or emphysema;
- heart disease;
- high blood pressure;
- a thyroid disorder; or
- diabetes.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Duratuss AC should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old.
Do not allow any child to use Duratuss AC without help from an adult.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Duratuss AC side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Duratuss AC may cause serious side effects. Stop using Duratuss AC and call your doctor right away if you have:
- new or worsening symptoms such as cough or nasal congestion; or
- fever, rash, headache.
Common side effects of Duratuss AC may include:
- feeling restless or excited (especially in children);
- drowsiness; or
- constipation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Duratuss AC is taken as needed. If you have a dosing schedule and miss a dose, skip it. Do not take two doses at the same time.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A codeine overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.
Drinking alcohol with Duratuss AC can cause side effects.
Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how this medicine 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.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect Duratuss AC?
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 use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.