What is Virtussin DAC?
Codeine has narcotic properties. 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 dilapidated blood vessels.
Virtussin is a combination medication used to treat allergies, the common cold, or the flu.Virtussin will not treat a persistent cough caused by smoking or asthma.Virtussin DAC may be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Virtussin 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 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.
- 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.
Some of the side effects that Virtussin DAC can cause include:
- 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. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Benadryl, Diphenhydramine, Chlorpheniramine, Promethazine DM, Echinacea, and Banophen
Warnings
Codeine may cause breathing problems and can become habit-forming. VIRTUSSIN DAC MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. This is especially true for children or anyone who uses the medicine without a doctor's prescription.
Under 18 years of age should not take this medicine.This medicine can cause withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening to the newborn if taken during pregnancy.You may experience fatal side effects if you combine this medication with alcohol or other drugs that make you drowsy or cause breathing problems.
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), phenelzine (phenelzine injection), rasagiline (selegiline), methylene blue injection, 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 medicine to anyone under the age of 18.
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
- 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 tumor, 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 if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.Do not breast-feed. Codeine can pass through breast milk, causing drowsiness or breathing problems in nursing babies.
How to take Virtussin DAC?
Please read all the instructions on the prescription label. Codeine can cause breathing problems. Virtussin DAC should never be used in higher doses or for longer periods 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. Virtussin DAC should never be shared with anyone, especially if they have a history of drug addiction. Misuse of narcotic medication can cause addiction, overdose, or death, especially in children or others who use the medicine without a prescription.
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. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
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?
Virtussin DAC can 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 vitamins and herbal remedies. When used together, some medicines can have unwanted or harmful effects. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.Do not take Virtussin with any other drug that makes you sleepy, slows your breathing, or causes anxiety.
