guaifenesin/hydrocodone/phenylephrine

Generic Name: guaifenesin/hydrocodone/phenylephrine
Other Brand Names: Atuss G, Entex HC, Levall 5.0, Tussafed-HC, Tussafed-HCG

What is guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

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.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the body. Constriction of blood vessels in the sinuses and nose decreases congestion.

Guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine is used to treat cough and nasal congestion associated with the common cold, sinus infections, the flu, and bronchitis.

Guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not take guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or selegiline (Eldepryl) in the last 14 days. A drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine, tell your doctor if you have

  • epilepsy or another seizure disorder;

  • been diagnosed with sleep apnea (periods of not breathing during sleep);

  • thyroid problems;

  • asthma;

  • a head injury;

  • Addison’s disease;

  • diabetes;

  • glaucoma;

  • bladder problems or difficulty urinating;

  • an enlarged prostate;

  • high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or any type of heart disease;

  • kidney problems; or

  • liver problems.

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

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

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

How should I take guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Take guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine can be taken with or without food.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

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

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

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

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine.

Guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine.

Guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain hydrocodone, phenylephrine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

What other drugs will affect guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Do not take guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or selegiline (Eldepryl) in the last 14 days. A drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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 without first talking to your doctor.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain hydrocodone, phenylephrine, 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine. 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, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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

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