What is Cheratussin DAC?
Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant. It interferes with the brain signals that cause the cough reflex.Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant. It loosens congestion in the chest and throat, making it easier for you to cough through your mouth.Pseudoephedrine acts as an effective nasal decongestant by narrowing blood vessels that dilate when under strain causing congestion in your nose. Dilated vessels may contribute to congestion causing symptoms that reduce and clear quickly with its use.The combination medicine Cheratussin DAC treats cough, stuffy nasal, and sinus congestion due to allergies, the cold, or the flu.Cheratussin DAC will not treat coughs caused by smoking or asthma.Cheratussin DAC can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cheratussin DAC
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical advice immediately!Codeine, like other narcotics, can cause breathing problems. If breathing becomes weak, death may result.If you are having difficulty waking up, have blue lips, or are having slow breathing, you need to be taken to the hospital immediately.
If you experience:
- Sighing and noisy breathing are both examples of shallow breathing.
- Hallucinations, severe drowsiness;
- Heart rate can be fast, slow, or uneven.
- A seizure;
- Nervousness, tremors,
- Little or no urination.
The risk of serious side effects is higher in older adults, overweight people, and those who have been malnourished or are debilitated.
Some of the common side effects associated with Cheratussin DAC include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
- Headache;
- Nausea, constipation;
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Feeling nervous, anxious, or restless.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing symptoms. To report side effects to the FDA directly, dial 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Codeine may cause breathing problems and can become habit-forming. Mistaken use of Cheratussin DAC can cause addiction or overdose.Do not use this medicine if you are under 18 years of age.This medicine can cause withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening to the newborn if taken during pregnancy.You can experience fatal side effects if you combine this medication with alcohol or other drugs that make you drowsy or slow down your breathing.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to codeine, pseudoephedrine, or guaifenesin.You should not take this medication if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Harmful drug interactions may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, Tranylcypromine, and others.Some people have a rapid breakdown of codeine in their liver, resulting in higher levels than normal in the blood. This can lead to dangerously slow breathing and even death in children.Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years of age.
Be sure to tell your physician any time something seems out-of-the-ordinary to ensure the medicine will be safe for you:
- Asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorders
- A cough that produces mucus
- High blood pressure, heart disease
- A stroke or blood vessel disorder.
- Drug or alcohol abuse;
- Glaucoma;
- Liver or kidney disease
- A blockage of the intestines or stomach;
- A head injury, brain tumour, or seizure
- Diabetes;
- Addison's Disease
- A thyroid disorder,
- Urination and prostate problems
Your baby may develop withdrawal symptoms after birth if you use codeine during pregnancy. A baby's addiction to habit-forming drugs may require medical care for several weeks. Inform your doctor immediately if you are expecting or planning on becoming pregnant.Do not breast-feed. Codine can pass through breast milk, causing drowsiness or breathing problems in nursing babies.
How to take Cheratussin DAC?
Please read all the instructions on the prescription label. Codeine can cause breathing problems. Cheratussin DAC should never be used in higher doses or for longer periods than prescribed. Cold and cough medications should generally only be taken for up to a few days until symptoms subside completely.Even at low doses, codeine can become habit-forming. Cheratussin DAC should never be shared with anyone, especially if they have a history of addiction or drug abuse. Misuse of narcotic medications may result in addiction, overdose and possibly death; especially among children or others who use these substances without being prescribed a valid valid valid script for their medicine.Use either the dosing syringe provided, a dose-measuring cup or spoon provided or ask your pharmacist if you do not already own one for measuring doses.While taking this medication, drink extra fluids in order to loosen congestion and lubricate the throat.Do not take more than 7 consecutive days.Tell your doctor or surgeon if you've taken cough medicine or cold medication in the last few days.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.Track your medication. Codeine is an addictive drug. You should be alert if someone is misusing your medicine or using it without a prescription.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a regular dosing regimen because this medication is only taken as needed. Take the missed dose immediately if you take the medication regularly. Rather, wait until your next scheduled dose to take any additional medicine. If a medication was missed by accident and another one will soon follow suit, take only what's due for you and don't double up on that dose if possible. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact the Poison Help Line on 1-800-222-1222 for help, or seek emergency medical attention as quickly as possible. Codeine overdoses can be deadly, especially for children or others who use the drug without a prescription.
What should be avoided?
Cheratussin may affect your ability to think or react. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure how this medication will affect you. Dizziness and severe drowsiness may cause accidents or falls.You may experience dangerous side effects, or even death, if you drink alcohol when taking codeine-containing medicines.Before using any other cold or allergy medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Combination medicines often contain cough suppressants or decongestants. You can get too much medication from certain products when you take them together.
Interaction with other drug
Before using this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you also use any other medications, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. When used together, some medicines can have unwanted or harmful effects. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.Taking Cheratussin DAC along with other drugs can have dangerous side effects, including death. Consult your doctor before you take a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medication, prescription cough medicine, muscle relaxant, or medication for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
