What is Guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and pseudoephedrine?
Combination medicine containing guaifenesin hydrocodone and pseudoephedrine is used to treat chest congestion, congestion of the sinuses, congestion in the nose, and cough caused by a common cold.Guaifenesin (hydrocodone) and pseudoephedrine are not effective in treating a cough accompanied by mucus or a cough caused by emphysema or chronic lung disease.The combination of guaifenesin (a narcotic cough remedy) and hydrocodone (a pain reliever) can be addictive.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and pseudoephedrine.
Side effects of Guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and pseudoephedrine
If you notice symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat.The medicine may cause you to stop breathing or slow down your breathing. Death can result. If you are having slow breathing with long pauses or blue lips, someone caring for you needs to seek immediate medical attention.
This medicine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Sighing and noisy breathing are both examples of shallow breathing.
- Confusion or severe weakness
- Tremors and severe restlessness
- A seizure;
- Heartbeats irregular;
- Severe headache; blurred vision; or pounding in the neck and ears
- Feeling dizzy as though they could pass out.
- Constipation is a serious condition that causes severe abdominal pain.
- Adrenal gland problems include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness.
The risk of serious side effects is higher in older adults, especially those who are obese or malnourished.
Side effects common to guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and pseudoephedrine include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Headache;
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Nausea;
- Low blood pressure.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor immediately if experiencing side effects; or contact the FDA's Toll Free Number 1-800-FDA-1088 with concerns.
Warnings
Misuse of opiod medication can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Store the medication where others cannot reach it.You can experience fatal side effects if you combine guaifenesin with alcohol or other drugs that make you drowsy or slow down your breathing.
Before you take this drug
You should not take this medication if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine injection), rasagiline (selegiline), methylene blue injection, and others.
This medicine should not be used if:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma;
- High blood pressure:
- Coronary artery disease
- If you're unable to urinate,
This medicine is not approved to be used by anyone under the age of 18.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Asthma and other breathing problems
- A brain injury or increased pressure in your skull.
- Diabetes;
- Thyroid disorder;
- Addison's disease
- Liver or kidney disease
- Urination or prostate problems;
- Stomach problems.
Your baby may develop a dependence on hydrocodone if you take it while pregnant. This could cause withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening for the newborn. Babies who are born addicted to habit-forming drugs may require medical care for several weeks.Do not breast-feed. The drug hydrocodone may pass through breast milk, causing drowsiness or breathing problems in the nursing infant.
How to take Guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and pseudoephedrine?
Read all the instructions on the label of your medication and follow them. Use guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and pseudoephedrine only as prescribed. This medicine should only be taken until symptoms have cleared up.Do not share opioid medication with anyone, especially if they have a history of drug abuse. Medication misuse can lead to addiction or death; so always store medication safely where only its intended user can reach it. It is illegal to sell or give away opioid medication.Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).If your symptoms don't improve within 7 days or you experience a headache, a cough, or a skin rash, 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, moisture, and light. Track your medication. Be aware of anyone who is misusing your medicine or using it without a valid prescription.Keep leftover medication away from children. One dose of this medication can be fatal if it is used incorrectly or accidentally.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for nasal congestion and cough:
Orally, 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 40 mL in 24 hours.
Comments:
Each 5 mL contains hydrocodone 2.5 mg, pseudoephedrine 30 mg, and guaifenesin 200 mg.
Measure the dose accurately with a measuring device.
Use: To relieve symptoms of colds, such as coughing, nasal congestion, and mucus.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a regular dosing regimen because this medication is only used as needed. If it is close to time for your next dose, do not take any missed ones.. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A hydrocodone overdose can be fatal.Overdose symptoms include extreme drowsiness or weakness, cold or clammy skin and lips, rapid or slow heartbeats, or confusion. Other symptoms can be hallucinations or confusion, blue lips or slurred words, blue lips or slurred or slurred speaking, slow breathing, or fainting.
What should be avoided?
Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur.Do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure of how you will react to guaifenesin, hydrocodone, and pseudoephedrine. Dizziness and severe drowsiness may cause accidents or falls.Before using any other cold or cough medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist if they contain similar ingredients.
Interaction with other drug
Do not use this medication with any other drug that can slow down your breathing. This could cause serious side effects, even death.
Opioids can interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, or even death. Tell your doctor if you use:
- Medications, bronchodilator asthma/COPD medicine, or diuretic (water pill);
- Medicines for motion sickness or irritable intestinal syndrome
- Other narcotics—opioid prescription cough medicine or pain medication;
- A sedative such as Valium, diazepam (alprazolam), lorazepam (lorazepam), Xanax (Klonopin), Versed, and others
- Drugs that cause you to sleep or slow down your breathing, such as sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, or medicines for mood disorders or mental illnesses
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may also interact with guaifenesin hydrocodone and pseudoephedrine. This list does not include all possible interactions.
