Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone Extended release capsules or tablets

What is this medicine?

GUAIFENESIN; HYDROCODONE (gwye FEN e sin; hye droe KOE done) helps to temporarily stop or reduce a dry and nonproductive cough.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow whole. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular times. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you are taking this medicine on a regular basis, do not suddenly stop taking it. Your doctor may want to slowly lower your dose.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

Patients over 65 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 or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• confusion

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• 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

• nausea, vomiting

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• alcohol

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline

• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone

• general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol

• local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• other narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain or cough

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antiviral medicines for HIV and AIDS

• atropine

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• ipratropium

• rifampin

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 this 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 is 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:

• Addison's disease

• brain tumor

• gallbladder disease

• glaucoma

• head injury

• heart disease

• history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem

• history of irregular heartbeat

• if you often drink alcohol

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• low blood pressure

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• mental illness

• pancreatic disease

• seizures

• stomach or intestine problems

• thyroid disease

• trouble passing urine

• an allergic reaction to hydrocodone, guaifenesin, 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.

There are different types of narcotic medicines (opiates). If you take more than one type at the same time or if you are taking another medicine that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.

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.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.