Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine

Generic name: guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine [ gwye-FEN-e-sin, SOO-doe-ee-FED-rin ]
Brand names: Ambifed-G, Entex T, Maxifed, Mucinex D, Mucinex D Max Strength, ... show all 147 brands Mucus D, Mucus Relief D, Poly-Vent IR, Pseudoephedrine-Guaifenesin, Sinutab Non Drying, Tusnel Pediatric Drops, Despec-SR, Respaire-30, Robitussin Severe Congestion, Triaminic Softchews Chest Congestion, Guaimax-D, Anatuss LA, Entex PSE, Touro LA, Medent, Fenex-PSE, Nalex, Syn-Rx, Respaire-60 SR, Nasabid, G-Phed, Respaire-120 SR, Guaibid D, Guaifed, Nalex Jr., G-Phed- PD, Sinufed Timecelles, Versacaps, Guaivent PD, Guaibid D Pediatric, Guaifed-PD, Pseudocot-G, Zephrex, Nasatab LA, Eudal SR, Medent LD, Sudal 60/500, Tuss-LA, Stamoist E, V-Dec-M, Deconsal L.A., D-Feda II, Guaifenex PSE 60, Demibid II, Guiadrine II, Iosal II, Guiatex II, Guiadrine II SR, Defen-LA, Respa-1st, Decongest II, Desal II, Deco-D, GP 500, Guaifed-PSE, Pan-Mist LA, Abletex-PSE, Guiadrine PSE 120, Guai-Vent/PSE, Guaifenex PSE 120, Hi Tex PSE, Guiatex PSE, Guai Sudo, Guaipax PSE, Iotex PSE, Ami-Tex PSE, Pseudo-G/PSI, Zaptec PSE, Zephrex LA, Ru Tuss DE, Robitussin PE, Guaifenex RX, Guaitab, Biotuss PE, Guiatuss PE, Mastussin PE, Mytussin PE, Q-Tussin PE, Robichem PE, T-Tussin PE, Tusscidin PE, Tussin PE, Sinufed, Venbid TR, Degen II, Robafen PE, Guaivent (Ethex), Altarussin PE, S-Pack, Sudafed Non Drying Sinus, Congestac, Uni Tussin PE, Humibid GC, Med-RX, Nasabid SR, Panmist LA, Panmist JR, H 9600 SR, Pseudovent, Pseudovent Ped, Aquatab D (obsolete1), Guaifenex GP, Dynex, Profen II, Profen Forte, Durasal II, Miraphen PSE, Guiadrine PSE, Guiatex II SR, We Mist LA, Coldmist, Aquatab D Dose Pack, Drituss GP, We Mist II LA, Panmist-S, Pseudo GG, Coldmist LA, Coldmist Jr, Sudal SR, Pseudo Max, Pseudovent 400, Levall G, Guaifenex PSE 80, Pseudatex, Touro LA-LD, Guaifenex PSE 85, Poly-Vent, Poly-Vent, Jr., Nomuc-PE, Maxifed-G, Ambi 60/580, Ambi 80/780, Ambi 60/1000, Pseudo GG TR, Ru-Tuss Jr., ExeFen, SudaTex-G, Medent-LDI, Ambifed, Tenar PSE, ExeFen-IR
Dosage forms: oral capsule (200 mg-30 mg), oral liquid (50 mg-7.5 mg/mL), oral tablet (360 mg-60 mg; 375 mg-60 mg; 380 mg-60 mg; 400 mg-20 mg; 400 mg-60 mg), ... show all 4 dosage forms oral tablet, extended release (1200 mg-120 mg; 1200 mg-75 mg; 600 mg-60 mg)
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 11, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used in adults and children to treat allergy symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itching of nose and throat, cough with mucus, sinus pain, and to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, hay fever, or other allergies.

There are many brand forms of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine available, and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine 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.

Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine may cause serious side effects. Stop using guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• nervousness, dizziness, sleep problems (insomnia).

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 guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine 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.

Taking more than your recommended dose will not make guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine more effective, and may cause serious side effects.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine 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.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart disease;

• high blood pressure;

• diabetes;

• a thyroid disorder;

• urination problems due to an enlarged prostate; or

• cough with mucus or chronic cough cause by smoking, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other breathing disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use.

Follow all directions when giving guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine to a child. Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.

Taking more than your recommended dose will not make this medicine more effective, and may cause serious side effects.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Swallow the extended release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. Take with a full glass of water.

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.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse after 7 days, or if you also have a fever, rash, or headaches.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion:

Immediate release tablets: 1 tablet orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 4 tablets per 24 hours


Extended release (600 mg/ 60 mg) tablets: 2 tablets orally every 12 hours
Maximum dose: 4 tablets per 24 hours


Maximum strength (1200 mg/ 120 mg) extended release tablets: 1 tablet orally every 12 hours
Maximum dose: 2 tablets per 24 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion:

Immediate release tablets:
12 years and older: 1 tablet orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 4 tablets per 24 hours

6 to 12 years: One half tablet orally every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 2 tablets per 24 hours


Extended release (600 mg/ 60 mg) tablets:
12 years and older: 2 tablets orally every 12 hours
Maximum dose: 4 tablets per 24 hours


Maximum strength (1200 mg/ 120 mg) extended release tablets:
12 years and older: 1 tablet orally every 12 hours
Maximum dose: 2 tablets per 24 hours


25 mg/ 7.5 mg/ mL liquid:
2 to under 6 years (11 to 21 kg): 2 mL every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 4 doses per 24 hours

What happens if I miss a dose?

Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine 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 guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

What other drugs will affect guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine?

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.

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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