KGS-HCOral - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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KGS-HC images:

Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

KGS-HC

Uses
This combination medication is used to temporarily treat coughing and chest congestion symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis). Potassium guaiacolsulfonate is an expectorant that helps thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus. Hydrocodone is a narcotic cough suppressant (antitussive) that affects a certain part of the brain, reducing the urge to cough.This medication is not usually used for ongoing coughs from smoking, asthma, other long-term breathing problems (e.g., emphysema), or for 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

Do not share this product with others.
It is against the law.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only.
Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor.
A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Do not freeze.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing, cold/clammy skin, loss of consciousness.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor.
This medication can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs.
Use a medication-measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose.
Do not use a household spoon.
Drink plenty of fluids while you are using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time (more than a few weeks) or if it has been used in high doses.
In such cases, if you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions may occur.
Such reactions can include anxiety, restlessness, sweating, shaking chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately.
When stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Though very unlikely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication.
Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed.
Properly stop the medication when so directed.When used for an extended time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing.
Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.Tell 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

Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, or constipation may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations), fast/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing, trouble urinating.Seek immediate medical attention if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: seizure.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or to narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine); or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: abdominal problems (e.g., chronic constipation, ileus, pancreatitis), adrenal gland problem (e.g., Addison's disease), brain disorders (e.g., seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression, psychosis), a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), trouble urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate or urethral stricture), use/abuse of drugs/alcohol.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or have blurred vision.
Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness/clear vision.
Limit the use of alcohol and certain other medications that cause drowsiness.
(See also Drug Interactions.) To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.This medicine may contain aspartame.
If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely.This medication may contain sugar and/or alcohol.
Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness and drowsiness.Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially slow/shallow breathing and drowsiness.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if clearly needed.
It is not recommended for use in high doses or for long periods during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to increased risk for serious side effects in a newborn baby (e.g., withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, diarrhea, seizures).
Tell the doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this product passes 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

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 drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: narcotic antagonists (e.g., naltrexone, naloxone).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: cimetidine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine).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, trazodone).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.
Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

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.