What is this medicine?
DEXTROMETHORPHAN, GUAIFENESIN, and PHENYLEPHRINE (dex troe meth OR fan, gwye FEN e sin, fen il EF rin) is a combination of a cough suppressant, an expectorant, and a decongestant. It is used to treat 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 these conditions:
-diabetes
-enlarged prostrate
-glaucoma
-heart disease
-high blood pressure
-if you have taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
-lung or breathing disease, like asthma
-thyroid disease
-an unusual or allergic reaction to dextromethorphan, 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 full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food or milk. 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 old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over 60 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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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine
-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:
-alcohol
-barbiturates like phenobarbital
-certain heart medicines like metoprolol, digoxin, and methyldopa
-diuretics
-doxazosin
-medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-medicines for sleep
-medicines to treat blood pressure
-muscle relaxers
-other medicines for cold, cough, or allergy
-some medicines used for sleep during surgery
-tamsulosin
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Talk to your doctor if your cough lasts for more than 1 week. If you have a high fever, skin rash, lasting headache, or sore throat, see your doctor.
Drink several glasses of water each day. This will help loosen mucus.
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
-anxiety, irritable, or excited
-breathing problems
-confusion
-fast, irregular heartbeat
-seizures
-tremor
-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). Keep bottle tightly closed. Protect from light. 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.
