What is the difference between dextromethorphan and guaifenesin

It is unknown if guaifenesin or dextromethorphan passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Taking certain MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious possibly fatal drug interaction.

Avoid taking isocarboxazid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, or tranylcypromine during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.

Guaifenesin and dextromethorphan are available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your medications to make sure you are not taking more than one product containing guaifenesin or dextromethorphan.

Guaifenesin can affect the results of certain lab tests such as urine levels of certain acids. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call Otherwise, call a poison control center right away.

US residents can call their local poison control center at Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. This medication is for temporary use only. Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless your doctor tells you to do so. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts longer than 7 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time.

Do not double the dose to catch up. Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed ata provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

Conditions of use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information in not intend to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed in indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else.

A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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What is dextromethorphan and guaifenesin? Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dextromethorphan and guaifenesin? Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have: a cough with mucus; or asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I take dextromethorphan and guaifenesin? You may need to shake the liquid before you measure a dose. Follow all directions on the label. Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. What happens if I miss a dose? What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at What should I avoid while taking dextromethorphan and guaifenesin? Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects. What are the possible side effects of dextromethorphan and guaifenesin? Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:. What other drugs will affect dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?

Where can I get more information? Please use ER for emergencies only. Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion stuffy nose. Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat cough, stuffy nose, sinus congestion and chest congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, or pseudoephedrine. Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine if you have:. It is not known whether dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant. This medicine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Decongestants may also slow breast milk production. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially sweetened cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria PKU , check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Cough and cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.