hypersensitive to any of its ingredients. Due to the component phenylephrine, this medicine is contraindicated in patients with ventricular tachycardia or severe hypertension.
The only significant untoward effects that have occurred are mild anorexia and an occasional tendency to constipation. However, discontinuance of this medicine has seldom been required. Mild drowsiness occurs in some patients but, when cough is relieved, the quieting effect of this medicine is considered beneficial in many instances. Because of its iodide content, this medicine may cause elevation of the protein-bound iodine. Adverse reactions to codeine include: Central Nervous System: Sedation, drowsiness, mental clouding, dizziness, lethargy, impairment of mental and physical performance, anxiety, convulsions, fear, miosis, dysphoria, psychic dependence, mood changes, and respiratory depression. Gastrointestinal System: Nausea, vomiting, increased pressure in the biliary tract, and constipation. Cardiovascular System: Orthostatic hypotension, fainting, and tachycardia. Genitourinary System: Ureteral spasm, spasm of vesical sphincters and urinary retention have been reported. Other: Flushing, sweating, pruritus, allergic reactions, and suppressed cough reflex. Adverse reactions to phenylephrine hydrochloride include headache, reflex bradycardia, excitability, restlessness, and, rarely, arrhythmias.
Adverse reactions to chlorpheniramine maleate include slight to moderate drowsiness. Other possible side effects common to antihistamines in general include: General: Urticaria, drug rash, anaphylactic shock, photosensitivity, excessive perspiration, chills, dryness of mouth, nose, and throat. Cardiovascular System: Hypotension, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, and extrasystoles. Hematologic System: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and agranulocytosis. Nervous System: Sedation, dizziness, disturbed coordination, fatigue, confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, euphoria, paresthesias, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus, acute labyrinthitis, hysteria, neuritis, and convulsions. Gastrointestinal System: Epigastric distress, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Genitourinary System: Urinary frequency, difficult urination, urinary retention, and early menses. Respiratory System: Thickening of bronchial secretions, tightness of chest and wheezing, and nasal stuffiness.
Coughs due to colds as well as coughs and congestive symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections such as tracheobronchitis or laryngobronchitis, croup, pharyngitis, allergic bronchitis, and infectious bronchitis, when accompanied by disturbing and fatiguing cough
This combination medication is used to temporarily treat cough, chest congestion, and stuffy nose symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis). Guaifenesin (Expectorant Codeine) is an expectorant that helps thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus. The decongestant helps relieve stuffy nose symptoms. This product also contains a narcotic cough suppressant (antitussive) that affects a certain part of the brain, reducing the urge to cough.
This medication is not usually used for ongoing coughs from smoking, asthma, other long-term breathing problems (e.g., emphysema), or coughs with a lot of mucus unless directed by your doctor.
Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, this product is not recommended to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years. Some products (including some long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.
These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Giving more than the recommended dose or using this medication along with other cough-and-cold products has resulted in serious (even fatal) side effects, including slowed/stopped breathing. Talk to the doctor or pharmacist before giving other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients. Ask about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray). Do not use this product to make a child sleepy.
How to use Expectorant CodeineTake this medication by mouth with or without food with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. This medication can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Drink plenty of fluids when you use this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.
If you are using the liquid form, use a medication-measuring device or spoon to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment.
This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, restlessness, sweating, shaking, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away.
Rarely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.
When used for an extended time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists for more than 1 week, if it worsens, or if it occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache. These may be symptoms of a serious medical problem and should be checked by a doctor.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., benztropine, belladonna alkaloids), beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol), cimetidine, certain medications for high blood pressure (guanethidine, methyldopa, reserpine), narcotic antagonists (e.g., naltrexone, naloxone), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine).
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that may also affect breathing or cause drowsiness. Therefore, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products such as alcohol, medicine for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
Guaifenesin (Expectorant Codeine) and decongestants are available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels on all your medications carefully to make sure you are not taking more than one product containing these ingredients.
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could affect your heart rate/blood pressure or cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
This medication may interfere with certain urine laboratory tests (e.g., 5-HIAA levels, VMA levels, amylase/lipase levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
