Giltuss
Generic name: dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine [ DEX-troe-meth-OR-fan, gwye-FEN-e-sin, FEN-il-EF-rin ]
Brand names: Broncotron Ped, Children Giltuss Cough and Cold, Deconex DMX, Desgen DM (Phenylephrine), Desgen Pediatric,
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Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations
What is Giltuss?
Giltuss is a combination medicine used to treat cough, stuffy nose, and chest congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.
Giltuss may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Giltuss side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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little or no urination;
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fast or slow heartbeats;
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confusion, dizziness, feeling unsteady;
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nervousness, sleep problems (insomnia);
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severe nausea or vomiting;
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severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
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slow breathing; or
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unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Common side effects of Giltuss may include:
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diarrhea, constipation;
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dizziness, drowsiness;
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sleep problems (insomnia); or
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feeling nervous, restless, or irritable.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not use this medicine if you are using or if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use this medicine if you are using or if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:
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diabetes;
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a thyroid disorder;
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urination problems due to an enlarged prostate;
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epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
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cough with mucus, or cough caused by emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
This medicine may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I take Giltuss?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Follow all directions when giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.
Follow the storage instructions provided with this medicine. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.
Related/similar drugs
Bromfed DM, brompheniramine / dextromethorphan / pseudoephedrine, Mucinex D, Promethazine VC with Codeine, Deconex
What happens if I miss a dose?
Giltuss is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Giltuss?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.
What other drugs will affect Giltuss?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicines that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.
More about Giltuss (dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: upper respiratory combinations
Patient resources
Other brands
Deconex DMX, Mucinex Children's Multi-Symptom Cold, Robitussin Multi-Symptom Cold CF, Tusicof, ... +24 more
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Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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