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Healthwise

chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine


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

donotDo 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.
nochildDo 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.
dizzyBefore 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.

donotTalk 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.

What is chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?

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.

smokingChlophedianol 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 should I discuss with my health care provider before taking chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?

donotDo 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.
donotYou should not take this medication if you are allergic to chlophedianol, guaifenesin, or pseudoephedrine, or if you have:
  • severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
  • severe coronary artery disease;
  • ischemic heart disease (reduced circulation of blood to the heart);
  • glaucoma;
  • stomach ulcer; or
  • if you are unable to urinate;
  • if you are having an asthma attack; or
  • if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

  • heart disease or high blood pressure;
  • diabetes;
  • asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or other breathing problems;
  • a thyroid disorder;
  • an enlarged prostate; or
  • urination problems.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine.

nopregFDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
nobrfeedGuaifenesin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.
nochildDo not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

How should I take chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

nochildAlways 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.

Measure the liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

donotTalk 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.
rtStore this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since cough or cold medicine is usually taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

emtSeek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, feeling restless or nervous, dry mouth, itching, fast heart rate, hallucinations, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?

dizzyThis 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.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

noalcoholAvoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine.

What are the possible side effects of chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?

emtGet 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.
emtStop 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 other drugs will affect chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?

dizzyBefore 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 list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about chlophedianol, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine.



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