Dihydrocodeine; Guaifenesin; Pseudoephedrine oral solution and syrup
Dihydrocodeine; Guaifenesin; Pseudoephedrine oral solution and syrup
What is this medicine?
DIHYDROCODEINE; GUAIFENESIN; PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (dye hye droe KOE deen; gwye FEN e sin; soo doe e FED rin) is a cough suppressant, expectorant, and decongestant combination. It is used to treat cough and congestion. This medicine will not treat an infection.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.
Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing trouble
changes in blood pressure
changes in vision
confusion
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
hallucinations
irritable or excited
seizures
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
dry mouth, nose, or throat
headache
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
tiredness
unusual sweating
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
alcohol
barbiturates like phenobarbital
certain medicines for anxiety or sleep
ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
other narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain or cough
stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
medicines for blood pressure
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for heart problems
muscle relaxants
naltrexone
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat littler or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
diabetes
drug abuse or addiction
glaucoma
heart disease
high blood pressure
intestinal problems
kidney disease
liver disease
lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems
stomach ulcer
thyroid disease
trouble passing urine
an unusual or allergic reaction to codeine, dihydrocodeine, guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Use exactly as directed by your doctor or health care professional. Do not take more than the recommended dose. You may develop tolerance to this medicine if you take it for a long time. Tolerance means that you will get less cough relief with time. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
If you have been taking this medicine for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a nonmedical reason. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018