What is guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine?
Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It is used to break up congestion and mucous to ease
breathing. Guaifenesin thins mucous, increases lubrication of the respiratory tract (lungs, nose,
and throat), and increases the removal of mucous.
Phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine are decongestants. They constrict (shrink) blood
vessels (veins and arteries), which reduces the swelling of mucous membranes in areas such as
the nose and sinuses.
Guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine is used to treat the symptoms of the
common cold and of infections of your sinuses, your lungs, and your throat.
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased
risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in
women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain
phenylpropanolamine.
Guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine may also be used for purposes other
than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine?
Do not take guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading
to serious side effects.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
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high blood pressure or any other type of heart disease,
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diabetes,
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a peripheral vascular disorder (poor circulation),
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glaucoma or increased pressure in the eyes,
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an overactive thyroid, or
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difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.
You may not be able to take
guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or
special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine is in the FDA pregnancy category
C. This means that it is not known whether guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine will
harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant.
Guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine passes into breast milk and may
harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects
from guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine. You may require a lower dose of this
medication.
Guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine has not been approved for use by
children younger than 6 years of age.
How should I take guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine?
Take guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them
to you.
Take guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine with food if stomach upset
occurs.
Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where
they are scored to make them easier to swallow if needed.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of
guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup,
not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist
where you can get one.
Store guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine at room temperature away
from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
take a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine?
Your pharmacist has information about guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine?
No serious side effects from guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine are
expected. Stop taking guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine and seek emergency
medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your
throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine and talk to your doctor if you experience
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dizziness or headache;
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nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia;
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nausea or stomach upset; or
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difficulty urinating.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine?
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased
risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in
women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain
phenylpropanolamine.
Drink plenty of extra fluids while taking this medication.
Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where
they are scored to make them easier to swallow if needed.
What should I avoid while taking guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness. If you
experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
What other drugs will affect guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine?
Do not take guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading
to serious side effects.
Heart medications such as methyldopa (Aldomet), reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil), and
guanethidine (Ismelin) may have decreased effects. Talk to your doctor before taking
guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine.
Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking
guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine without first talking to your doctor or
pharmacist. Other medications may also contain guaifenesin, phenylephrine,
phenylpropanolamine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally take too much of these
medicines.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before
taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine?
