Medications and Drugs

1. Natural Cold & Flu Remedies Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Common Cold Quiz!
3. Immune Boosting Foods Slideshow Pictures

Brand Names: Vanacof DX

Generic Name: chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Pronunciation: KLOE fe DYE a nol, gwye FEN e sin, SOO doe ee FED rin)

• What is chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Vanacof DX)?
• What are the possible side effects of chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Vanacof DX)?
• What is the most important information I should know about chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Vanacof DX)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Vanacof DX)?
• How should I take chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Vanacof DX)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Vanacof DX)?
• What happens if I overdose (Vanacof DX)?
• What should I avoid while taking chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Vanacof DX)?
• What other drugs will affect chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Vanacof DX)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Vanacof DX)?

Chlophedianol is a cough suppressant. It reduces muscle spasms associated with the cough reflex.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen mucus 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).

The combination of chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat cough, chest congestion, and nasal congestion caused by the common cold.

Chlophedianol will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Vanacof DX)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast or pounding heartbeat;
• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);
• hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• wheezing, trouble breathing, chest tightness;
• severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• dizziness, drowsiness, lack of coordination;
• excitability (especially in children);
• feeling restless or nervous;
• sleep problems;
• increased sweating;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• chills or tingling;
• mild itching or rash;
• blurred vision;
• headache; or
• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Vanacof DX)?

Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine.

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.