dextromethorphan and guaifenesin

Brand name(s):

dextromethorphan-guaifenesin, Benylin Expectorant, Cheracol-D, Duratuss DM, Fenesin DM, GG-DM SR, Glycotuss-DM, Guaibid DM, Guaifenex DM, Halotussin DM, Iophen DM NR, Mucobid DM, Naldecon DX Liquigel, Relacon LAX, Respa-DM, Robitussin-DM, Safetussin 30 DM, Scot-Tussin DM, T-Tussin DM, Touro DM, Tuss-DM, Vicks 44E, Vicks 44E Pediatric

What is the most important information I should know about dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not use any other over-the-counter cough or cold medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains dextromethorphan or guaifenesin. Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

What is dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?

Dextromethorphan is a 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.

The combination of dextromethorphan and guaifenesin is used to treat cough and chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.

Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?

Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Before taking dextromethorphan and guaifenesin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially-sweetened liquid forms of cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. This would be important to know if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Check the ingredients and warnings on the medication label if you are concerned about phenylalanine.

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