GUAIFENESIN/PSEUDOEPHEDRINE - ORAL

GUAIFENESIN/PSEUDOEPHEDRINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (gweye-FEN-eh-sin/sue-doh-eff-ED-rin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Duratuss, Maxifed

GENERIC NAME(S): guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine HCl

Uses

USES: This combination medication is used to temporarily treat cough and runny/stuffy nose (nasal congestion) caused by infections (such as the common cold), allergies (such as hay fever), and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant (sympathomimetic). It reduces nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose. 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 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).


How to use GUAIFENESIN/PSEUDOEPHEDRINE - ORAL

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. To prevent trouble sleeping, do not take this medication close to bedtime. If you are uncertain about any of the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 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. Guaifenesin may have a bitter taste. Swallow capsules and tablets whole. Some tablets may be split if they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Chewable tablets may be swallowed whole or chewed. 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. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion. Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine. Tell your doctor if your condition is accompanied by fever, severe sore throat, rash, persistent headache, or if it persists, returns, 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.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea or headache may occur. If either of these effects persist or worsen, tell 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. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, nervousness, irritability), shaking (tremor), trouble sleeping, difficult/painful urination. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to pseudoephedrine or guaifenesin; or if you have any other allergies. Also tell your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to similar drugs (sympathomimetics such as ephedrine, phenylephrine). 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, high blood pressure, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart failure, heart attack), fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, diabetes, a certain eye problem (glaucoma), difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Liquid products or chewable tablets may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Liquid products may also contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), 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. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Caution is advised when using this product in children because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially nervousness, irritability, and high blood pressure. (See also Uses Section.) Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially fast/irregular heartbeat, dizziness, problems urinating, trouble sleeping, or confusion. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. The pseudoephedrine in this product passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. It is unknown if guaifenesin passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

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: other decongestants (taken by mouth or sprayed into the nose), tricyclic antidepressants (such as nortriptyline, amitriptyline). Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication. Pseudoephedrine may decrease the effectiveness of some blood pressure medications (such as beta blockers, guanethidine, methyldopa, mecamylamine). Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products or diet aids). Pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin are available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your medications carefully to make sure you are not taking more than one product containing these medications. The guaifenesin in this product 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.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness/fainting, fast irregular heartbeat, slow/fast/shallow breathing, hallucinations, seizures.

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Faq for GUAIFENESIN/PSEUDOEPHEDRINE - ORAL

Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other breathing illnesses such as sinusitis or bronchitis.

Guaifenesin helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through the mouth. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that helps relieve nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages.

Common side effects may include nervousness, dizziness, headache, nausea, upset stomach, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

It is generally advised to avoid Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine if you have high blood pressure, as pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and potentially worsen the condition. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for alternative options.

Guaifenesin does not typically cause drowsiness, but pseudoephedrine can sometimes cause mild drowsiness. If you experience excessive drowsiness or any other severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Before taking this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential drug interactions. Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine can interact with certain medications, such as MAO inhibitors, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, causing serious side effects.

Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the medication label. Take the medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine is not recommended for children under the age of 12 without the guidance of a healthcare professional. Always consult a pediatrician before giving any medication to a child.

It is generally advised to avoid alcohol while taking Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: 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.