What is this medicine?
CARBETAPENTANE; GUAIFENESIN; PHENYLEPHRINE (kar bay ta PEN tane; gwye FEN e sin; fen il EF rin) is a combination of a cough suppressant, expectorant, and a decongestant. It is used to relieve cough and congestion from a cold, the flu, sinus congestion, and bronchitis. This medicine 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:
-chronic cough
-diabetes
-difficulty passing urine
-glaucoma
-heart or artery disease
-high blood pressure
-seizure disorder
-taking medicines called MAOIs like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
-thyroid disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to carbetapentane, guaifenesin, phenylephrine, 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. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
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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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-ergot medications for headaches or some procedures
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-medicines for chest pain, heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm problems
-medicines that cause drowsiness
-other medicines for allergies or colds
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you have a fever, skin rash, or persistent headache as well as a cough, see your doctor or health care professional.
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.
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, excitability, or nervousness
-fast, irregular heartbeat
-fever
-high or low blood pressure
-seizures
-tremors
-trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
-unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-diarrhea
-dizziness
-headache
-nausea, vomiting
-stomach upset
-tiredness
-trouble sleeping
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
