PHENYLEPHRINE-GUAIFENESIN

Phenylepherine is a decongestant that relieves nasal congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps loosen congestion in the chest and throat. It works by making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

This combination medication is used to relieve symptoms like cough, airway irritation and nose congestion caused by colds, flu, or hay fever. This medication may also be used in other conditions to be determined by your doctor.

Do not use this drug:

  • If you are allergic to any ingredient in guaifenesin/phenylephrine
  • If you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, rapid heartbeat, or severe heart problems
  • If you have taken Furazolidone or a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, Phenelzine) within the last 14 days
  • To children under 6 years unless specifically prescribed by the doctor.
  • To treat long term pulmonary problems such as Asthma.

Common side effects may include:

  • Nausea
  • Headache

Notify your doctor promptly if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.

Your doctor may have prescribed this medication because he or she judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Unlikely but serious side effects may include:

  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Shaking (Tremor)
  • Fast, Irregular, Pounding Heartbeat
  • Difficult or Painful Urination
  • Mental or Mood Changes (such as Confusion, Nervousness, Irritability)
  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Seizures

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.  Just in case you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, call emergency hotline. Symptoms may include rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

  • If you are allergic to phenylephrine or guaifenesin; or if you have any other allergies. Also tell your doctor if you have had bad reactions to similar drugs (sympathomimetics such as ephedrine).
  • If you are to undergo any surgery.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Your medical history, especially of:
    • Breathing Problems (such as Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, Smoker’s Cough)
    • Cough With Blood or Large Amounts of Mucus
    • High Blood Pressure
    • Heart Disease (such as Chest Pain, Heart Failure, Heart Attack)
    • Fast, Slow or Irregular Heartbeat
    • Diabetes
    • Glaucoma
    • Difficulty Urinating (such as Due to Enlarged Prostate)
    • Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)

This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. Avoid activities requiring alertness or clear vision such as driving until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit the use of alcohol and certain other medications that cause drowsiness.

Older adults and children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, mental or mood changes, constipation, fast heartbeat, trouble urinating, or blood pressure changes.

 

Interactions

Drug interactions may either lessen the effectiveness of this drug or heighten the risk for severe side effects. It’s important to inform your doctor all the medication including prescription and non-prescription and herbal medicines you are taking or going to take.

Possible interactions with this drug are:

  • Other Decongestants
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants (such as Nortriptyline, Amitriptyline)
  • Mao Inhibitors (Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene Blue, Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Procarbazine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
  • Beta Blockers, Reserpine, Guanethidine, Methyldopa, Mecamylamine
  • Other Products that also Contain Guaifenesin and Phenylepherine

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 to avoid false results.

Call emergency hotline if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

  • Severe Dizziness or Fainting
  • Fast Irregular Heartbeat
  • Slow, Fast or Shallow Breathing
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

Related Articles

ULTRAVIST

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultravist is used in the following conditions: Radiographic Imaging: Iopromide injection is utilized to enhance the [...]

ULTRAMOX

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultramox is used in the following conditions: Respiratory Infections: Amoxicillin is often used to treat respiratory [...]

ULTRALIV

UsesWarningsSide EffectsPrecautionsOverdose & BrandsUses Ultraliv is used in the following conditions: Carnitine Orotate: Carnitine orotate is a combination of L-carnitine [...]