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This combination medication is used to temporarily treat cough, chest congestion, and stuffy nose symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, hay fever, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis). Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that affects a certain part of the brain (cough center), reducing the urge to cough. This product also contains a decongestant, which helps relieve stuffy nose symptoms.This medication is usually not used for ongoing coughs from smoking, asthma, other long-term breathing problems (e.g., emphysema), or coughs with a lot of mucus, unless directed by your doctor.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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Guai-DM HB-P-Ephed images:
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Guai-DM HB-P-Ephed
Uses
This combination medication is used to temporarily treat cough, chest congestion, and stuffy nose symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, hay fever, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis). Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that affects a certain part of the brain (cough center), reducing the urge to cough. This product also contains a decongestant, which helps relieve stuffy nose symptoms.This medication is usually not used for ongoing coughs from smoking, asthma, other long-term breathing problems (e.g., emphysema), or coughs with a lot of mucus, unless directed by your doctor.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
- If your doctor has prescribed this medication, do not share it with others.Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.
Storage
- Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: agitation, confusion, hallucinations, seizures.
How To Use
- If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication.
- If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist.
- If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.Take the tablet, capsule, or liquid form by mouth with or without food.
- Follow the directions for dosing on the label, or take as directed by your doctor.
- Drink plenty of fluids when you use this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.
- This medication can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs.If you are using the liquid form, use a medication measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose.
- Do not use a household spoon.
- If your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.If you are using sustained-release tablets or capsules, swallow the medication whole.
- Do not crush or chew the tablets or capsules.
- Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy.Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in serious harm (e.g., brain damage, seizure, death).
- Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than recommended by your doctor or the package instructions without your doctor's approval.Inform your doctor if your condition persists for more than 1 week, if it worsens, or if it occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache.
- These may be symptoms of a serious medical problem and should be checked by a doctor.
Side Effects
- Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, nervousness, or trouble sleeping may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has prescribed this drug, remember that your doctor has prescribed it because 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 if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations), shaking (tremors), weakness.Tell your doctor if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.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 medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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), diabetes, a certain eye problem (glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney problems, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), trouble urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate).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.The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness and mental/mood changes.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication may pass into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you are prescribed this medication on a regular schedule and 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
- If you are taking this medication under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This product should not be used with the following medications because very serious (rarely fatal) interactions may occur: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), sibutramine.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.
- Avoid taking MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks of starting or stopping this medication.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol), guanethidine, certain inhaled anesthetics (e.g., halothane), memantine, methyldopa, reserpine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine).Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).
- Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
- Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.Guaifenesin is available in both prescription and nonprescription products.
- Check the labels on all your medications carefully to make sure you are not taking more than one guaifenesin-containing product.Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure.
- Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.This medication may interfere with certain urine laboratory tests (e.g., 5-HIAA levels, VMA levels), possibly causing false test results.
- Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
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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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