Guaifenesin; Pseudoephedrine tablets or capsules

What is this medicine?

GUAIFENESIN; PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (gwye FEN e sin; soo doe e FED rin) is a decongestant, expectorant combination. It is used to provide relief from cough and congestion. 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 the following conditions:
-blood vessel disease
-diabetes
-fever
-glaucoma
-heart disease or heart rhythm problems
-high blood pressure
-other chronic disease
-over active thyroid
-prostate trouble
-an unusual or allergic reaction to guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine, 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. Do not crush or chew. 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. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old 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:
-bromocriptine
-cocaine
-ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-digoxin
-indomethacin
-mecamylamine
-medicines for blood pressure
-medicines for colds or allergies
-medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-medicines for sleep
-methyldopa
-reserpine
-some herbal or nutritional supplements
-some medicines for Parkinson's disease
-stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within 5 days 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 water as instructed while you are taking this medicine to help loosen mucus.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

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
-confusion
-difficulty passing urine
-fast or irregular heartbeat
-hallucinations
-high blood pressure
-seizure
-tremor
-trouble breathing

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 heat and moisture. 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.