What is codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen mucus congestion in your chest and throat,
making it easier to cough out through your mouth.
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated
blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
The combination of codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat stuffy nose and
cough, and to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.
Codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in
this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if
you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
You should not take codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine if you have ever had an
allergic reaction to it, or if you have:
-
severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
-
severe coronary artery disease; or
-
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special
tests to safely use this medication. Before taking codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine, tell your
doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-
heart disease or high blood pressure;
-
ischemic heart disease (reduced circulation of blood to the
heart);
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asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
-
diabetes;
-
a thyroid disorder;
-
glaucoma;
-
liver or kidney disease;
-
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
-
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
-
enlarged prostate, urination problems;
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a stomach or intestinal disorder;
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Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
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if you have recently had surgery on your stomach,
intestines, kidney, or bladder.
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gallbladder disease;
-
mental illness; or
-
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use this
medication, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Codeine
can cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan
to become pregnant during treatment.
Codeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The use of codeine by
some nursing mothers may lead to life-threatening side effects in the baby. Do not use this medication if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
Codeine may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it was
prescribed for
. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially
someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.
How should I take codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Take this medication exactly as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the
medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medicine is
usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Take codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine with food if it upsets your stomach.
Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child.
Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.
Measure the liquid form of this medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Call your doctor if your cough does not improve after 5 days of treatment, or if you also
have a fever.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold
medicine within the past few days.
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
Keep track of how much of this medication has been used. Codeine is a drug of abuse and
you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a
prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose of codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Since cough or cold medicine is usually taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing
schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If
it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly
scheduled time.
Do not
take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Your pharmacist has information about codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious
side effects:
-
fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
-
slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, weak or shallow
breathing;
-
severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness,
headache, tremors;
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confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
-
seizure (convulsions);
-
urinating less than usual or not at all; or
-
increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision,
trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure).
Less serious side effects include:
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dizziness or headache;
-
constipation;
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nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite;
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feeling excited or restless;
-
sleep problems (insomnia);
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increased sweating;
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warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin; or
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mild skin rash or itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if
you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cough or cold medication without first asking your
doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one
or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains
guaifenesin or pseudoephedrine.
Codeine may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it was
prescribed for
. Codeine should never be shared with another person, especially someone
who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others
cannot get to it.
Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child.
Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
What should I avoid while taking codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication. Alcohol can increase some of
the side effects of codeine.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or cough medicine without first asking
your doctor or pharmacist. Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine are contained in many medicines
available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of
a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains guaifenesin or
pseudoephedrine.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). This
medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen
(minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
What other drugs will affect codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that
make you sleepy (such as allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and
medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by codeine or
guaifenesin.
Also tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
medicines to treat high blood pressure;
-
indomethacin (Indocin);
-
methyldopa (Aldomet); or
-
a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol
(Lopressor, Toprol), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and
over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
