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Gencontuss

Generic name: chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine

Brand names: Balamine DM, Ed A-Hist DM, Gencontuss, Giltuss Allergy Plus, Giltuss Children's Allergy Plus, NoHist DM, Phenagil-CH, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough

Used for common cold
Last updated November 2, 2026 0 views
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What is Gencontuss?

Gencontuss is a combination medicine that helps relieve cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Gencontuss may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

How should I take Gencontuss?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as your doctor prescribes. Do not take Gencontuss more than what is recommended on the label. Cold or cough medicine is for short-term use only.

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

Follow all directions when giving this medicine to a child. Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine using the provided measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

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

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the liquid medicine bottle tightly closed when not in use.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Warnings

Do not use Gencontuss if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Gencontuss if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. This could lead to a serious drug interaction. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. You should wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you take this medicine.

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

  • a chronic cough, or a cough with mucus;
  • breathing problems such as asthma or COPD;
  • high blood pressure or heart disease;
  • glaucoma;
  • trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate;
  • diabetes;
  • a thyroid disorder; or
  • if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or any other oral nasal decongestant or stimulant.

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

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Gencontuss 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.

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

  • dizziness, nervousness, trouble sleeping (insomnia); or
  • a cough or stuffy nose that goes away and then comes back, or lasts more than 7 days.

Common side effects of Gencontuss may include:

  • drowsiness; or
  • agitation (especially in children).

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.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Gencontuss can be taken as needed. If you are following a dosing schedule and miss a dose, just 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.

Drinking alcohol with Gencontuss 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 have similar ingredients.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What other drugs will affect Gencontuss?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicines that can make you sleepy (like opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are mentioned here.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.