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.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
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.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
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.
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What may interact with this medicine?
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
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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