What is this medicine?
GUAIFENESIN; HYDROCODONE (gwye FEN e sin; hye droe KOE done) helps to temporarily stop or reduce a dry and nonproductive cough.
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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:
-asthma
-brain tumor
-chronic bronchitis
-diarrhea associated with pseudomembranous colitis from antibiotics
-emphysema
-head injury
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-an allergic reaction to hydrocodone, guaifenesin, other opioid analgesics, 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. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Do not use a household spoon. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular times. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you are taking this medicine on a regular basis, do not suddenly stop taking it. Your doctor may want to slowly lower your dose.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children less than 6 years old.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
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
-barbiturates like phenobarbital
-benztropine
-drugs for bladder problems
-drugs for breathing problems like ipratropium and tiotropium
-drugs for certain stomach or intestine problems
-general anesthetics
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-medicines for sleep
-muscle relaxants
-naltrexone
-narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain
-phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
-scopolamine
-tramadol
-trihexyphenidyl
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 or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-confusion
-difficulty breathing
-slow or fast heartbeat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-dizziness
-drowsiness
-nausea
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep this 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 is against the law.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).
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.
