PSEUDOEPHEDRINE-CODEINE-GG

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that relieves nasal congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages. Codeine is a cough suppressant that reduces the urge to cough by affecting certain part of the brain. 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.

Uses

This combination medication is used to temporarily treat symptoms like runny nose, coughing, and sneezing due to common cold, allergies, hay fever, and other breathing illnesses. This medication may also be used in other conditions to be determined by your doctor.

Warnings

Do not use this drug:

Along with other drugs that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems. This may increase your risk of side effects.
More often than prescribed. Overdose may bring serious complications.
To treat cough and pain in children between 12 and 18 years old who have breathing problems.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

Dizziness
Drowsiness
Headache
Upset Stomach
Nausea
Constipation
Nervousness
Trouble Sleeping

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.

Serious side effects may include:

Mental or Mood Changes (e.g., Hallucinations)
Shaking
Trouble Urinating
Weakness
Fast or Irregular Heartbeat
Seizure

Rare but serious side effects may occur, including:

Slow or Shallow Breathing
Severe Drowsiness
Difficulty Waking Up
Confusion
Severe Allergic Reaction

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these serious side effects.

Precautions

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

If you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
If you are to undergo any surgery.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your medical history, especially of:
- Abdominal Problems (e.g., Chronic Constipation, Ileus, Gallbladder Disease, Pancreatitis)
- Adrenal Gland Problem (e.g., Addison’s Disease)
- Blood Vessel Problems (e.g., Raynaud’s Disease, Low Blood Flow to the Brain, Legs, Hands)
- Certain Brain Disorders (e.g., Head Injury, Tumor, Increased Pressure in the Brain)
- Breathing Problems (e.g., Asthma, Emphysema, Sleep Apnea)
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Heart Problems
- High Blood Pressure
- Kidney Problems
- Liver Disease
- Mental or Mood Problems (e.g., Depression, Psychosis)
- Thyroid Problems (e.g., Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism)
- Trouble Urinating (e.g., Due to Enlarged Prostate)
- Use or Abuse of Drugs or Alcohol

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 Anticholinergic Drugs (e.g., Benztropine, Belladonna Alkaloids)
Beta Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol)
Cimetidine
Certain Medications for High Blood Pressure (Guanethidine, Methyldopa, Reserpine)
Narcotic Antagonists (e.g., Naltrexone, Naloxone)
Tricyclic Antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Desipramine)
Mao Inhibitors (Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene Blue, Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Procarbazine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
Opioid Pain or Cough Relievers (such as Codeine, Hydrocodone)
Alcohol
Drugs for Sleep or Anxiety (such as Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Zolpidem)
Muscle Relaxants (such as Carisoprodol, Cyclobenzaprine)
Antihistamines (such as Cetirizine, Diphenhydramine)

This medication may interfere with certain urine laboratory tests such as 5-HIAA levels, VMA levels, and amylase or lipase levels. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug to avoid false results.

Overdose & Brands

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

Symptoms of overdose may include:

Confusion
Cold or Clammy Skin
Fast or Irregular Heartbeat
Slow or Shallow Breathing
Seizures
Coma

Available brand/s:

Adrecort
Altussan
Asmalin Broncho
Asmaplex