Dextromethorphan/guaifenesin/phenylephrine (By mouth)

Introduction:

Dextromethorphan (dex-troe-meth-OR-fan), Guaifenesin (gwye-FEN-e-sin), Phenylephrine (fen-il-EF-rin)

Relieves nasal congestion and cough due to respiratory tract infection.

Brand Name(s):

TriTuss-ER, TriTuss, Giltuss TR, Phlemex, Deconex DM, Phlemex-PE, Tusso-DM, SINUtuss DM, Aquatab C, G PHEN DM, Certuss-D, Anextuss, Biotuss, Biotuss Pediatric, Dacex-DM

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to guaifenesin, phenylephrine, or dextromethorphan. You should not use this medicine if you have high blood pressure or heart disease. You should not use this medicine if you are using MAO inhibitors such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. 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:

Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

  • 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.
  • It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

If a dose is missed:

  • This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

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.
  • 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.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using MAO inhibitors such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. Tell your doctor if you are using antiyhypertensives such as guanethidine, methyldopa, mecamylamine, or reserpine.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, Elavil®, or Sinequan®.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using beta-blockers such as atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, timolol, Inderal®, or Toprol®.
  • Make sure your doctor knows about all the other medicines that you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes, enlarged prostate, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid.

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.
  • Anxiety, restlessness, or nervousness.
  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Depression.
  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Headache or dizziness.
  • Lightheadedness.
  • Pale lips or pale skin color.
  • Seizures.
  • Trouble breathing.

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

  • Nausea.
  • Weakness in your body.
  • Tremor.
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