What is this medicine?
CODEINE; GUAIFENESIN (KOE deen; gwye FEN e sin) is a cough suppressant and expectorant. It helps to stop or reduce coughing due to the common cold or inhaled irritants. It will not treat an infection.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Addison's disease
-convulsions
-drug or alcohol abuse or addiction
-enlarged prostate
-fever
-intestinal or stomach problems
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-lung disease like asthma or emphysema
-recent surgery or injury
-thyroid disease
-an allergic or unusual reaction to codeine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, guaifenesin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular times. Do not take more medicine than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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-alcohol
-antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
-certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-certain medicines for sleep
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-muscle relaxants
-narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain
-tramadol
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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You may develop tolerance to this medicine if you take it for a long time. Tolerance means that you will get less cough relief with time. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. If you have a high fever, skin rash, or headache, see your health care professional.
Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
Drink several glasses of water each day.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
The medicine may cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-confusion
-hallucinations
-irregular heartbeat
-seizures
-trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-blurred vision
-constipation
-flushing or sweating
-headache
-stomach upset, nausea
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light.
Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Discard unused medicine and used packaging carefully. Pets and children can be harmed if they find used or lost packages.
