Codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine

Generic name: Codeine, Guaifenesin, And Pseudoephedrine
Dosage form: oral liquid (10 mg-100 mg-30 mg/5 mL)
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Usage of Codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine

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.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

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

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

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

Codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine 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.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing;

severe drowsiness, hallucinations;

fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;

a seizure;

nervousness, tremors; or

little or no urination.

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

Common side effects of codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine may include:

dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;

headache;

nausea, constipation;

sleep problems (insomnia); or

feeling nervous, anxious, or restless.

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, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to codeine, guaifenesin, or pseudoephedrine.

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

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 younger than 18 years old.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorders;

a cough with mucus;

heart disease, high blood pressure;

a stroke, or a blood vessel disorder;

drug or alcohol addiction;

glaucoma;

liver or kidney disease;

a blockage in your stomach or intestines;

a head injury, brain tumor, or seizure;

diabetes;

Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);

a thyroid disorder; or

enlarged prostate and urination problems.

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.

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How to use Codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine

Usual Adult Dose for Cold Symptoms:

1 dose orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed-Codeine: Single dose: up to 20 mg; Maximum daily dose: 120 mg in 24 hours-Guaifenesin: Single dose: up to 400 mg; Maximum daily dose: 2400 mg in 24 hours-Pseudoephedrine: Single dose: up to 60 mg; Maximum daily dose: 240 mg in 24 hoursComments:-Maximum dose should not exceed maximum dose of any of the single ingredient doses.-Oral liquid should be measured with an accurate milliliter measuring device.Uses: Temporary relief of coughs due to the common cold, allergic rhinitis or other upper respiratory allergies; reduces swelling of nasal passages to relieve nasal congestion and helps loosen mucus 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, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

This medicine is not for use in anyone under 18.

Taking this medicine during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

What other drugs will affect Codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine 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.

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