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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, 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. Carbetapentane is a cough suppressant that affects a certain part of the brain, 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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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Phencarb GG
Uses
This combination medication is used to temporarily treat cough, chest congestion, and stuffy nose symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, 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. Carbetapentane is a cough suppressant that affects a certain part of the brain, 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
- Do not share this medication with others.
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
- Take this medication by mouth with or without food, with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or 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 you are using sustained-release tablets or capsules, swallow the medication whole.
- Do not crush, chew, or break 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.
- Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often 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.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication 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.This product is not recommended for use in infants and newborns.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known if this medication 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 healthcare professionals (e.g., 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 them first.Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) for 2 weeks before, during, and 2 weeks after treatment with this medication.
- In some cases a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction may occur.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), methyldopa, reserpine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine).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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