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This combination medication is used to relieve coughs caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. Guaifenesin belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier. Dextromethorphan belongs to a class of drugs known as cough suppressants. It acts on a part of the brain (cough center) to reduce the urge to cough.Do not use this medication in children younger than 2 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all of the doctor's dosage directions. Do not give other cough and cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (e.g., saline nose drops/spray, using a humidifier or infant nasal suction bulb).
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| Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Antitussin DM
Uses
This combination medication is used to relieve coughs caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. Guaifenesin belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier. Dextromethorphan belongs to a class of drugs known as cough suppressants. It acts on a part of the brain (cough center) to reduce the urge to cough.Do not use this medication in children younger than 2 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all of the doctor's dosage directions. Do not give other cough and cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (e.g., saline nose drops/spray, using a humidifier or infant nasal suction bulb).
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat and light.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, blurred vision, slowed breathing, seizures.
How
To Use - Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 hours or as directed by your doctor.
- Do not take more than 6 doses in a 24-hour period.Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
- Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in serious harm (e.g., brain damage, seizure, death).
- Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than directed.If your condition persists or worsens after 7 days, or if you think you may have a serious medical condition, seek immediate medical attention.
Side
Effects - Dizziness, drowsiness, upset stomach, and nausea may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has prescribed 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.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to guaifenesin or dextromethorphan; or if you have any other allergies.
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), liver problems, diabetes.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol.
- Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product.Caution is advised when using this drug in people who are unconscious or confined to a bed.This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication passes into breast milk.
- Though there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug
Interactions - Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), epinephrine for low blood pressure, metrizamide, sibutramine, cabergoline, pergolide, halofantrine, pimozide.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have stopped taking MAO inhibitors within the last 2 weeks.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |
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