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Maxifed-G CD

Generic name: codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine

Brand names: Tusnel C, Virtussin DAC, Ambifed CD, Biotussin DAC, Cheratussin DAC, Guaifen DAC, Lortuss EX, Maxifed-G CD, Nucofed Pediatric Expectorant, Tricode GF

Last updated November 2, 2026 0 views
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What is Maxifed-G CD?

Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant. It changes the signals in the brain that cause the cough reflex.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps to loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough it out through your mouth.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that reduces the size of blood vessels in the nasal passages. Enlarged blood vessels can lead to nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Maxifed-G CD is a combination medicine used to treat cough, stuffy nose, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Maxifed-G CD will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Maxifed-G CD may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

How should I take Maxifed-G CD?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Codeine can slow or stop your breathing. Never use Maxifed-G CD 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 Maxifed-G CD 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.

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

Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. 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.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken a cough or cold medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Warnings

Codeine can slow or stop your breathing and may lead to addiction. MISUSE OF Maxifed-G CD CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or anyone taking the medicine without a prescription.

This medicine is not for anyone under 18.

Using this medicine during pregnancy may lead to serious withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Severe side effects can happen if you take this medicine with alcohol or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to codeine, guaifenesin, or pseudoephedrine.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

In some individuals, 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 be fatal, especially in a child.

Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old.

To ensure this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have ever had:

  • asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorders;
  • a cough with mucus;
  • heart disease, high blood pressure;
  • a stroke or a blood vessel disorder;
  • drug or alcohol addiction;
  • glaucoma;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
  • a head injury, brain tumor, or seizure;
  • diabetes;
  • Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);
  • a thyroid disorder; or
  • enlarged prostate and urination problems.

If you use codeine while pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This may lead to life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may require medical treatment for several weeks. Inform 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.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Maxifed-G CD side effects

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.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:

  • noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing;
  • severe drowsiness, hallucinations;
  • fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
  • a seizure;
  • nervousness, tremors; or
  • little or no urination.

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

Common side effects of Maxifed-G CD may include:

  • dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
  • headache;
  • nausea, constipation;
  • sleep problems (insomnia); or
  • feeling nervous, anxious, or restless.

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?

Since this medicine is taken as needed, you might not have a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medicine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I overdose?

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

Maxifed-G CD may affect your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will impact you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can lead to falls or other accidents.

Do not drink alcohol while taking medicine that contains codeine. Serious side effects or death could happen.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or cough medicine. Many combination medicines have decongestants or cough suppressants. Taking certain products together can lead to getting too much of a specific drug.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What other drugs will affect Maxifed-G CD?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking Maxifed-G CD with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

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.