GUAIFENESIN/DECONGESTANT/NARCOTIC ANTITUSSIVE/ANTIHISTAMINE-ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
S-T Forte, Triaminic DH

USES:
Guaifenesin is an expectorant which helps to loosen mucus. Decongestants relieve nasal stuffiness. Narcotic antitussives are narcotic pain relievers in low doses which suppress a cough. Antihistamines relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and throat and itchy, watery eyes. This combination medication is used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold, allergies, hay fever, sinusitis and other respiratory illnesses.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
Take this medication as prescribed. Be sure to follow instructions closely. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. This medication is best taken with a full glass of water after a meal or snack.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach upset, dry mouth or constipation may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if any of these effects continue or become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop:
chest pain, a rapid pulse, skin rash, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating, tremors, nervousness, hallucinations, breathing trouble. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease, asthma, emphysema, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate trouble, depression, a history of drug dependency, allergies. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication causes you to feel drowsy. Check this product’s ingredient list for phenylpropanolamine (PPA). The FDA has issued warnings regarding PPA side effects. Consult your pharmacist promptly if it contains PPA or if you are uncertain this product has PPA. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including:
medication for blood pressure, antidepressants, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), cimetidine and narcotic pain medications (e.g.,codeine). Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include abnormal eye movements, flushed face, dry mouth, change in amount of urine, fever, excitation, agitation, slow or shallow breathing, slow heart rate, small pupils, drowsiness, unconsciousness, bizarre behavior, confusion, restlessness, irritability, delirium, twitching, tiredness, abnormal tongue movement, slurred speech, or seizures.

NOTES:
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water while taking this medication. It will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

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.