Gua HC

Generic Name: guaifenesin-hydrocodone
Other Brand Names: Atuss HX, Co-Tussin, Codotuss, Cotuss V, Entuss, Fentuss Expectorant, G-Tuss, Hycoclar Tuss, Hycoclear, Hycosin Expectorant, Hycotuss Expectorant, Hydrotuss, Kwelcof, Medcodin, Pneumotussin 2.5, Propatuss Expectorant, Tusso-DF ... [More]

What is guaifenesin and hydrocodone?

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. Guaifenesin loosens phlegm and increases the lubrication of the lungs allowing for a productive cough and decreased chest congestion.

Hydrocodone is a narcotic. It is a pain reliever and a cough suppressant.

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Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking guaifenesin and hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is habit forming and should only be used under close supervision by patients with past or current alcohol or drug addiction.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

  • kidney disease;

  • liver disease;

  • asthma;

  • urinary retention;

  • an enlarged prostate;

  • hypothyroidism;

  • seizures or epilepsy;

  • gallbladder disease;

  • a head injury; or

  • Addison’s Disease.

You may not be able to take guaifenesin and hydrocodone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Guaifenesin and hydrocodone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether guaifenesin and hydrocodone will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take guaifenesin and hydrocodone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Guaifenesin and hydrocodone passes into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take guaifenesin and hydrocodone 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 and hydrocodone. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take guaifenesin and hydrocodone?

Take guaifenesin and hydrocodone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the directions on your prescription bottle, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.

Guaifenesin and hydrocodone can be taken with or without food.

Take the oral tablets and capsules with a full glass of water.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of guaifenesin and hydrocodone 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.

Do not take more of this medication or take it for longer than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible to become physically and/or psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if guaifenesin and hydrocodone is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

Store guaifenesin and hydrocodone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of guaifenesin and hydrocodone?

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 and hydrocodone?
Your pharmacist has information about guaifenesin and hydrocodone written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of guaifenesin and hydrocodone?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking guaifenesin and hydrocodone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

  • confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take guaifenesin and hydrocodone and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness;

  • restlessness or irritability;

  • blurred vision;

  • constipation;

  • dry mouth;

  • nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;

  • muscle twitches;

  • sweating;

  • itching; or

  • decreased urination.

Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible to become physically and/or psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if guaifenesin and hydrocodone is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

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 and hydrocodone?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Guaifenesin and hydrocodone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking guaifenesin and hydrocodone.

Guaifenesin and hydrocodone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible to become physically and/or psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if guaifenesin and hydrocodone is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

What should I avoid while taking guaifenesin and hydrocodone?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Guaifenesin and hydrocodone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking guaifenesin and hydrocodone.

Guaifenesin and hydrocodone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking guaifenesin and hydrocodone without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain hydrocodone, guaifenesin or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

What other drugs will affect guaifenesin and hydrocodone?

Guaifenesin and hydrocodone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking guaifenesin and hydrocodone without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain hydrocodone, guaifenesin, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with guaifenesin and hydrocodone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

What happens if I have an overdose of guaifenesin and hydrocodone?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a guaifenesin and hydrocodone overdose may include extreme drowsiness, dizziness, headache, seizures, dry mouth, cold and clammy skin, flushing, nausea, vomiting, difficult or decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008