What is Geri-Tussin DM?
Dextromethorphan suppresses coughing. Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant. The combination medicine Geri-Tussin DM treats cough and chest congestion due to the common flu or allergies. Dextromethorphan does not treat a cough caused by smoking. This leaflet does not list all the brands or forms of medication that are available. Geri-Tussin Dm may be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Geri-Tussin DM
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing and swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately!
Geri-Tussin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Mood changes
- Severe headache
- Feeling dizzy or anxious, as if you could pass out.
Geri-Tussin may cause the following side effects:
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Diarrhea;
- Feeling nervous, restless, or anxious
There may be other side effects.Call your physician if experiencing side effects. For further advice regarding adverse reactions. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
If you've taken an MAO-inhibitor in the last 14 days (such as isocarboxazid or linezolid), or if your symptoms are worsened by MAO-inhibitors, do not take this medication.
Before you take this drug
You should not take Geri-Tussin Dm if you've taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days. A dangerous medication interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and selegiline.
If you suffer from:
- A cough that produces mucus
- Asthma, or chronic lung disease.
Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. This medication may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria, make sure that the label of your medication clearly specifies this fact.
How to take Geri-Tussin DM?
Follow the directions on the label or those prescribed by your physician. Cold and cough medicines are only to be used for a short time until symptoms have cleared up. Follow the directions on the label when giving cough medicine or cold medicine. Never use cough and cold medicine to put a child to sleep. Measuring liquid medicine is important.Take care in using either the provided dosing device or another approved dose-measuring tool (not spoon). It may be necessary to shake the liquid prior to measuring a dose. Please follow all the instructions on the label. Do not chew, crush, or break an extended-release tablet. These granules can be sprinkled directly onto your tongue. Swallow immediately. While taking this medication, drink extra fluids in order to loosen congestion and lubricate the throat. If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days or you experience a headache, fever, rash, or other symptoms, call your doctor. Tell the surgeon if you've taken this medication within the last few days. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Geri-Tussin is taken as needed, and there may not be a schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip any missed dose. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have experienced the effects of Geri-Tussin. You may be unable to react properly. Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication. Before purchasing any cold or cough medicines from another source, speak with either your physician or pharmacist in regards to what similar ingredients might be present in these medications.
Interaction with other drug
Use this medicine only if you are not taking any other medications that can cause drowsiness, slow breathing, or cause drowsiness (such as an opioid, muscle relaxant, anxiety medicine, or seizure medicine). Before using any medication, always inform your physician or pharmacist of all other drugs you use simultaneously such as prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal products that could interact negatively. As possible interactions are difficult to predict completely in this medication guide, some harmful interactions could occur; see individual product pages for additional details.
