What is Guaifen DAC?
Codeine has a narcotic effect. Cough suppressant. It alters brain signals that cause cough reflexes.Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant. It loosens congestion in the chest and throat, making it easier for you to cough through your mouth.Pseudoephedrine works as a nasal decongestant by shrinking blood vessels.Nasal congestion may be due to dilation of blood vessels.Guaifen DAC, a combination medication, is used to treat allergies, the common cold, or the flu.Guaifen DAC does not treat a cough caused by smoking or asthma.Guaifen can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Guaifen DAC
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.Codeine, like other narcotics, can cause breathing problems. If breathing becomes weak, death may result.If you have blue lips or slow breathing with long pauses in between, someone caring for you needs to seek immediate medical attention.
If you experience:
- Sighing and noisy breathing are both examples of shallow breathing.
- Severe drowsiness; hallucinations
- 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, especially those who are obese or malnourished.
Guaifen DAC can cause the following side effects:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
- Headache;
- Nausea, constipation;
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Feeling nervous, anxious, or restless.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA with side effect concerns is easy by dialing their toll free number: 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Codeine may cause breathing problems and can become habit-forming. Guaifen DAC CAN CAUSE ADDITION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH IF USED BY A CHILD OR OTHER PERSON WHO DOES NOT HAVE A PRESCRIPTION.Do not use this medicine if you are under 18 years old.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. There is a risk of a dangerous drug interaction. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and other drugs.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 administer this medicine to anyone aged 18 years or younger.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this 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 a blood vessel condition;
- 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 physician immediately if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or are planning a family.Do not breast-feed. Codine can pass through breast milk, causing drowsiness or breathing problems in nursing babies.
How to take Guaifen DAC?
Please read all the instructions on the prescription label. Codeine can cause breathing problems. Guaifen should never be taken in higher doses or for a longer period than prescribed. Cold or cough medicine is typically taken for only a few days until symptoms disappear.Even at low doses, codeine can become habit-forming. Guaifen DAC should never be shared with anyone, especially a person with a drug addiction or abuse history. Misuse of narcotic medication may result in addiction, overdose and even death for users - particularly children or other non-prescribed users who use the medicine without being prescribed it first.Use the provided dosing syringe or a dose-measuring cup or spoon to measure liquid medicines. Ask your pharmacist if you don't have a device 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. If your symptoms don't improve after 7 treatment days, or you have a headache, a skin rash, or a fever, call your doctor.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. If your next scheduled dosage is near, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on medication to compensate for missed dosage. This could cause more harm than good and should never be attempted as it will only serve to increase risks further.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Codeine overdoses can be deadly, especially for children or others who use the drug without a prescription.
What should be avoided?
Guaifen DAC can impair your ability to think or react. Do not drive or operate machinery until you have determined how the medicine will affect your body. 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 vitamins and herbal remedies. When used together, some medicines can have unwanted or harmful effects. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.Guaifen, combined with drugs that slow breathing or make you sleepy, can have dangerous side effects.
