This combination medication is used to treat symptoms (coughing, runny/stuffy nose, congestion) caused by the common cold, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and other breathing illnesses.

This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor.

Guaifenesin belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.

Phenylephrine belongs to a class of drugs known as decongestants. It causes a narrowing of blood vessels in the nose and sinuses to reduce nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.

These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).

If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

For liquid forms, measure your dose with the dosing device provided with this medication. Do not use a household spoon. If your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 7 days.

Nausea, stomach upset, nervousness, trouble sleeping, dizziness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: shaking (tremor), fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, difficult/painful urination, trouble breathing, mental/mood changes (e.g., irritability, confusion, hallucinations).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Also tell your doctor if you are very sensitive to the effects of other sympathomimetics (e.g., pseudoephedrine).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., angina, irregular heartbeat), trouble urinating (due to an enlarged prostate), trouble sleeping, cough with large amounts of phlegm, breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma), high blood pressure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, a certain eye problem (narrow-angle glaucoma), seizures.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor of pharmacist about using this product safely.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion.

Caution is advised when using this product in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially excitation, agitation, and increased blood pressure.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine).

If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.

Avoid taking MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with this medication. In some cases a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction may occur.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), digoxin, guanethidine, methyldopa, reserpine.

Guaifenesin and phenylephrine are available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your medications to make sure you are not taking more than one product containing guaifenesin or phenylephrine.

Guaifenesin can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., urine levels of certain acids). Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, trouble breathing, hallucinations.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication is for temporary use only. Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless your doctor tells you to do so. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts longer than 7 days.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.