Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Allfen DM, Altarussin DM, Aquatab DM, Benylin Expectorant, Drituss DM, Extuss LA, Fenesin DM IR, Glycotuss-DM, Guaifen DM, Mucinex Children's Cough, Mucinex DM, MucusRelief DM, Naldecon DX Liquigel, Relacon LAX, Respa-DM, Robitussin Cough & Congestion, Tussi-Bid, Tussi-Organidin DM NR, Vicks 44E

Generic Name: dextromethorphan and guaifenesin (Pronunciation: DEX troe me THOR fan and gwye FEN e sin)

• What is dextromethorphan and guaifenesin (Allfen DM, Altarussin DM, Aquatab DM, Benylin Expectorant, Drituss DM, Extuss LA, Fenesin DM IR, Glycotuss-DM, Guaifen DM, Mucinex Children's Cough, Mucinex DM, MucusRelief DM, Naldecon DX Liquigel, Relacon LAX, Respa-DM, Robitussin Cough & Congestion, Tussi-Bid, Tussi-Organidin DM NR, Vicks 44E)?
• What are the possible side effects of dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?
• What is the most important information I should know about dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?
• How should I take dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?
• What other drugs will affect dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?
• Where can I get more information?

What is dextromethorphan and guaifenesin (Allfen DM, Altarussin DM, Aquatab DM, Benylin Expectorant, Drituss DM, Extuss LA, Fenesin DM IR, Glycotuss-DM, Guaifen DM, Mucinex Children's Cough, Mucinex DM, MucusRelief DM, Naldecon DX Liquigel, Relacon LAX, Respa-DM, Robitussin Cough & Congestion, Tussi-Bid, Tussi-Organidin DM NR, Vicks 44E)?

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.

The combination of dextromethorphan and guaifenesin is used to treat cough and chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.

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

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

Fenesin DM

oblong, gray, imprinted with DU RA, FDM 014

Guaifenesin-DM LA 600-30 mg

oblong, green, imprinted with V, 53 11

Guaifenex DM

oblong, green, imprinted with 213, ETHEX

What are the possible side effects of dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?

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:

• severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness;
• confusion, hallucinations; or
• slow, shallow breathing.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness;
• headache;
• skin rash or itching; or
• nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about dextromethorphan and guaifenesin?

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 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.

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 use any other over-the-counter cough or cold medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains dextromethorphan or guaifenesin.

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

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