What is this medicine?
ACETAMINOPHEN; GUAIFENESIN; PHENYLEPHRINE (a set a MEE noe fen; gwye FEN e sin; fen il EF rin) is a combination of a pain reliever, expectorant and decongestant. It is used to treat fever, aches and pains, and congestion from a cold or allergy. It is also used to treat a dry cough. 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:
-diabetes
-enlarged prostrate
-glaucoma
-heart disease
-high blood pressure
-if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
-peripheral vascular disease
-taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate within the last 14 days
-thyroid disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, 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 with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the label. Tablets may be broken in half. Do not crush or chew. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it 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 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
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:
-amphetamine or other stimulant drugs
-bromocriptine
-ergot medications for headaches or some procedures
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-procarbazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-furazolidone
-imatinib
-isoniazid
-linezolid
-mecamylamine
-medicines for chest pain, heart disease, blood pressure, or heart rhythm problems
-medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-other medicines for allergies or colds
-reserpine
-some medicines used for sleep during surgery
-St. John's Wort
-theophylline
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, take the last dose of the day at least a few hours before bedtime.
Drink several glasses of water each day. This will help loosen mucus.
Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen with this medicine. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take too much acetaminophen get medical help right away. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous and cause liver damage. Even if you do not have symptoms, it is important to get help right away.
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
-fast, irregular heartbeat
-hallucinations
-high blood pressure
-seizure
-tremor
-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):
-anxiety, excitement, irritability, nervousness
-diarrhea
-dizziness
-headache
-loss of appetite
-stomach upset, nausea
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). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
