GUAIFENESIN/DYPHYLLINE - ORAL
Common Brand Name(s): Dilor-G, Lufyllin-GG
Phonetic Pronunciation: (gweye-FEN-eh-sin/dye-FILL-in)
Information last revised May 2010
What does GUAIFEN/DYPHYLLINE-ORAL look like?
dyphylline-guaifenesin 100 mg-100 mg/15 mL Elixir
Uses:
This medication contains 2 drugs (dyphylline and guaifenesin) and is used to treat and prevent wheezing and trouble breathing caused by ongoing lung disease (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema). Dyphylline is similar to theophylline and belongs to a class of drugs known as xanthines. It improves breathing by opening the air passages and decreasing the lungs' response to irritants. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school. This medication does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve sudden attacks of breathing trouble. If an attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol) as prescribed by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Take this medication by mouth, usually every 6 to 8 hours, with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food. If you are taking a liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose unless your doctor directs you to do so. Taking too much of this medication may cause serious side effects. Be sure you understand which medications to use on a regular basis (controller drugs such as this medication) and which to use as needed for sudden attacks of breathing trouble (quick-relief medications). Consult your doctor about what you should do if your breathing worsens (for example, if you have increased coughing or shortness of breath, or if you wake up at night with breathing trouble). Also discuss what to do if this medication stops working well. Watch for signs of worsening breathing problems and report them to your doctor promptly. Your doctor may need to change your dose of controller medications or may prescribe other drugs that may work better for you. Signs of worsening breathing problems include needing to use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week, more than 1 canister a month), or having peak flow meter readings in the yellow/red range. Get instructions from your doctor about when you can treat breathing problems by yourself and when you must seek immediate medical attention.
Drug Interactions
See also How to Use section. Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: lithium. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients (such as ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine) that could increase the side effects of this medication. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk when combined with this medication including bupropion, isoniazid (INH), phenothiazines (such as thioridazine), tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline), among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (such as stress tests, uric acid levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this medication. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Avoid substances that can worsen breathing problems by causing irritation or allergic reaction, such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold. To help loosen mucus, drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. If you have asthma, learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening breathing problems (such as readings in the yellow/red range, increased use of quick-relief inhalers). Because the flu virus can worsen breathing problems, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should have a flu shot every year.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: agitation, severe vomiting, extreme thirst, ringing in the ears, increased sweating, fainting, chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures.
Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as theophylline); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as angina, fast/irregular heartbeat, heart failure, recent heart attack), high blood pressure, kidney disease, seizures, stomach/intestinal ulcer, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Liquid forms of this medication may contain sugar. If you have diabetes, consult your doctor or pharmacist about using these products safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
Nausea, headache, pounding heartbeat, trouble sleeping, restlessness, increased urination, or stomach pain/cramping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
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