Antitussive/antihistamine/decongestant/expectorant (By mouth)

Introduction:

Treats cough and congestion.

Brand Name(s):

Donatussin, Bromhist-DM Pediatric, Genelan, Father John's Medicine Plus, Neotuss-D, Genepatuss, Tussall-ER, Y-Cof DM, Pediahist DM, Histacol DM Pediatric, AllanHist PDX, Bromhist-PDX, Chlordex GP, Chlorodex GP, Tussall

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the ingredients in the medicine you are using. You should not use this medicine if you have certain heart problems, or if you have severe high blood pressure. You should not use this medicine if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. You should not use this medicine if you have narrow angle glaucoma, asthma, stomach ulcers, or certain problems urinating. You should not use this medicine if you are breast feeding an infant. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Capsule, Long Acting Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using indomethacin (Indocin®) or methyldopa (Aldomet®). Tell your doctor if you are using a beta-blocker medicine such as atenolol, metoprolol (Toprol®), or propranolol (Inderal®). Beta-blocker medicines are often used to treat migraines, heart problems, or high blood pressure.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to treat depression, such as amitriptyline, doxepin, or nortriptyline. Tell your doctor if you are taking phenothiazine medicine such as prochlorperazine (Compazine®), Mellaril®, Phenergan®, or Thorazine®. Phenothiazine medicine may be used to treat severe vomiting, psychiatric problems, or other conditions.
  • There are many other drugs that may interact with this type of medicine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies, kidney problems, liver problems, Addison's disease, asthma, or serious lung disease such as emphysema (COPD). Tell your doctor if you have a brain tumor, recent head injury, or a medical condition that causes increased pressure in your head (such as hydrocephalus). Make sure your doctor knows if you have prostate problems, or a narrowing or blockage of your digestive tract or urinary tract.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to phenylephrine, brompheniramine, dextromethorphan, chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®), guiafenesin, or to any antihistamine, cough medicine, cold or allergy medicine, or decongestant. Tell your doctor if you cannot use medicine that contains alcohol.
  • This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Make sure your doctor knows if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
  • This medicine may hide the warning signs of certain serious medical conditions. Do not use this medicine for a chronic (long-term) cough unless your doctor tells you to.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Confusion, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there), seizures, or fainting.
  • Heartbeat that is pounding or uneven.
  • New or worsening fever.
  • Sudden or severe headache.
  • Trouble urinating, or feeling like you have a full bladder even after you urinate.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Anxiety, trouble sleeping, or other mood changes that are bothersome to you.
  • Lightheadedness, blurred vision, or eyes sensitive to light.
  • Cough that lasts more than one week, that comes back often, or that happens with a fever, rash, or headache.
  • Nausea that does not go away after you lie down.
  • Tremors (shaking) or problems with balance or coordination.
  • Vomiting, stomach upset, dry mouth, or constipation.
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