asthma

chronic bronchitis

emphysema

liver disease

an unusual or allergic reaction to dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives (some combination products contain bromides)

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?
Take dextromethorphan and guaifenesin by mouth. Follow the directions on the container. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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.

What drug(s) may interact with dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?

alcohol

amiodarone

furazolidone

linezolid

medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), and selegiline (Carbex, Eldepryl)

medicines for mental depression or other mental disturbances

quinidine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?
Severe side effects from dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are usually only seen in patients who have taken very high doses. These side effects should be reported to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

confusion

excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability

severe nausea, vomiting

slurred speech
Children may get the following side effects from an overdose:

seizures

shaky movements

slow or troubled breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Rare or uncommon:

dizziness, drowsiness

hives

nausea, vomiting

rash

stomach ache

What should I watch for while taking dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?
If you have a fever, skin rash, or persistent headache as well as a cough, see your prescriber or health care professional. Do not treat yourself for a cough for more than one week without consulting your prescriber or health care professional.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how dextromethorphan and guaifenesin affects you. Alcohol can increase the risk of getting drowsy, dizzy or confused. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Drink plenty of water while taking dextromethorphan and guaifenesin products. This will help loosen mucus.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) unless otherwise directed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.