GUAIFENESIN/DEXTROMETHORPHAN - ORAL
Common Brand Name(s): Recofen
Phonetic Pronunciation: (gweye-FEN-eh-sin/dex-trow-meth-OR-fan)
Information last revised May 2010
What does GUAIFENESIN W/ DM - ORAL look like?
Robitussin-DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Robitussin-DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
dextromethorphan-guaifenesin 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Wal-Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Wal-Tussin DM Clear 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
DM-Guai 10 mg-300 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid
Su-Tuss DM 20 mg-200 mg/5 mL Elixir
dextromethorphan-guaifenesin 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Iophen DM-NR 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid
Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Tussin DM Clear 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Wal-Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Simuc-DM 25 mg-225 mg/5 mL Oral Soln
Chest Congestion Relief + DM 20 mg-400 mg Tab
Cough Formula DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Gani-Tuss DM NR 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid
Guiatuss DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Q-Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Wal-Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
TUSSI-ORGANIDIN DM NR 10 mg-300 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid
Cough Formula DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
HT-Tuss DM 20 mg-200 mg/5 mL Elixir
Guiatuss DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Q-Tussin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Tussin DM Clear 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Guaifenesin DM 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Wal-Tussin DM Clear 10 mg-100 mg/5 mL Syrup
Diabetic Tussin DM 10 mg-200 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid
TUSSI-ORGANIDIN DM-S NR 10 mg-300 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid
Guiadrine DX 25 mg-225 mg/5 mL Oral Soln
Uses:
This combination medication is used to relieve coughs caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. Guaifenesin belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier. Dextromethorphan belongs to a class of drugs known as cough suppressants. It acts on a part of the brain (cough center) to reduce the urge to cough. If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using this product to be sure it is right for you. (See also Precautions section.) Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely. These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next 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 with or without food, as directed by your doctor. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. If you are using the 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. For powder packets, empty the entire contents of the packet onto the tongue and swallow. To prevent a bitter taste, do not chew. If you are taking the capsule form, swallow the capsule whole. Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, death). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than directed. Tell your doctor if your cough returns, or if it is accompanied by fever, severe sore throat, rash, persistent headache, or if it persists or worsens after 7 days. These may be signs of a serious medical problem. Seek immediate medical attention if you think you may have a serious medical problem.
Drug Interactions
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Some drugs that may interact with this product include: sibutramine, memantine, MAO inhibitors. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before and during treatment with this medication. In some cases a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction may occur. Guaifenesin and dextromethorphan are available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your medications to make sure you are not taking more than one product containing guaifenesin or dextromethorphan. Guaifenesin can affect the results of certain lab tests (such as urine levels of certain acids). Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.
Notes
If your doctor prescribed this medication, do not share this medication with others. Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. This medication is for temporary use only. Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless your doctor tells you to do so. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts longer than 7 days.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a 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: extreme drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, hallucinations, slow/shallow breathing, seizures.
Precautions
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to guaifenesin or dextromethorphan; 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: breathing problems (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, smoker's cough), cough with blood or large amounts of mucus, liver problems. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. The liquid forms and powder packets of this medication may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if guaifenesin or dextromethorphan passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications 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
Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that 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. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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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