Codeine and guaifenesin

Generic name: Codeine And Guaifenesin
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Usage of Codeine and guaifenesin

Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

Codeine and guaifenesin is a combination medicine used to treat cough and chest congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

codeine and guaifenesin will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Codeine and guaifenesin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Codeine and guaifenesin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Like other narcotic medications, codeine can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing;

a slow heart rate or weak pulse;

severe dizziness or drowsiness;

confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

little or no urinating;

severe constipation; or

slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who are overweight, malnourished, or debilitated.

Common side effects of codeine and guaifenesin may include:

constipation; or

mild drowsiness.

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.

Before taking Codeine and guaifenesin

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to codeine or guaifenesin.

In some people, codeine breaks down rapidly in the liver and reaches higher than normal levels in the body. This can cause dangerously slow breathing and may cause death, especially in a child.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18.

To make sure codeine and guaifenesin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a cough with mucus;

asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorder;

blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

a head injury or brain tumor;

low blood pressure; or

drug or alcohol addiction.

If you use codeine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breast-feed. Codeine can pass into breast milk and may cause drowsiness, breathing problems, or death in a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed.

Relate drugs

How to use Codeine and guaifenesin

Usual Adult Dose for Cough:

1 dose orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed -Codeine: Single dose: up to 20 mg; Maximum dose: 120 mg in 24 hours-Guaifenesin: Single dose: up to 400 mg; Maximum dose: 2400 mg in 24 hoursMaximum dose should not exceed maximum dose of either of the single ingredient dosesComments: -Liquid preparations should be measured with an accurate milliliter measuring device.-This combination drug should not be used in patients with chronic pulmonary disease or shortness of breath unless directed by a health care professional. Uses: Temporary relief of coughs due to minor throat and bronchial irritations as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants; helps loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to make cough more productive.

Warnings

Codeine can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. MISUSE OF codeine and guaifenesin CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18.

What other drugs will affect Codeine and guaifenesin

Taking codeine and guaifenesin with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with codeine and guaifenesin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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