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Gua PC Side Effects

Generic name: codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 4, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Gua PC Side Effects associated with codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Gua PC.

Applies to codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine: oral liquid.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Codeine can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

This medicine is not for use in anyone under 18.

Taking this medicine during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Like other narcotic medications, codeine can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who are overweight, malnourished, or debilitated.

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine: oral liquid, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The more commonly expected adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.[Ref]

Nervous system

Pseudoephedrine:

Codeine

Cardiovascular

Pseudoephedrine:

Hypotension is rare and has been reported most frequently with high doses of codeine.

Pseudoephedrine causes vasoconstriction which generally does not produce hypertension, but may be problematic for patients with preexisting hypertension. Arrhythmias may be produced in predisposed patients. Rarely, pseudoephedrine has been reported to cause coronary artery spasm and chest pain.[Ref]

Codeine

Gastrointestinal

Guaifenesin:

Pseudoephedrine:

Patients with chronic ulcerative colitis may experience increased colonic motility, while patients with acute ulcerative colitis have experienced toxic dilation with codeine use.[Ref]

Codeine

Genitourinary

Pseudoephedrine:

Codeine

Hypersensitivity

Guaifenesin:

Pseudoephedrine:

Codeine

Dermatologic

Codeine:

Guaifenesin:

Pseudoephedrine:

Ocular

Pseudoephedrine:

Codeine

Psychiatric

Pseudoephedrine:

Codeine

Respiratory

Codeine:

Respiratory depression has been associated with antitussive use of codeine in young children. Respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine in the postoperative period following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Further investigation has shown these patients to be ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine. Children with obstructive sleep apnea who are treated with codeine appear to be particularly sensitive to the respiratory depressant effects of codeine.

References

1. Covington TR, eds., Lawson LC, Young LL (1993) "Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs." Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association

2. de Groot AC, Conemans J (1986) "Allergic urticarial rash from oral codeine." Contact Dermatitis, 14, p. 209-14

3. (2001) "Product Information. Robitussin (guaifenesin)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories

4. Gordon RD, Ballantine DM, Bachmann AW (1992) "Effects of repeated doses of pseudoephedrine on blood pressure and plasma catecholamines in normal subjects and in patients with phaeochromocytoma." Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol, 19, p. 287-90

5. Mores N, Campia U, Navarra P, Cardillo C, Preziosi P (1999) "No cardiovascular effects of single-dose pseudoephedrine in patients with essential hypertension treated with beta-blockers." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 55, p. 251-4

6. Gill ND, Shield A, Blazevich AJ, Zhou S, Weatherby RP (2000) "Muscular and cardiorespiratory effects of pseudoephedrine in human athletes." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 50, p. 205-13

7. (2022) "Product Information. Robitussin-DAC (codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)." Apothecon Inc

8. Dowd J, Bailey D, Moussa K, Nair S, Doyle R, CulpepperMorgan JA (1999) "Ischemic colitis associated with pseudoephedrine: Four cases." Am J Gastroenterol, 94, p. 2430-4

9. Shelley WB, Shelley ED (1987) "Nonpigmenting fixed drug eruption as a distinctive reaction pattern: examples caused by sensitivity to pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and tetrahydrozoline." J Am Acad Dermatol, 17, p. 403-7

10. Tomb RR, Lepoittevin JP, Espinassouze F, Heid E, Foussereau J (1991) "Systemic contact dermatitis from pseudoephedrine." Contact Dermatitis, 24, p. 86-8

11. Camisa C (1988) "Fixed drug eruption due to pseudoephedrine." Cutis, 41, p. 339-40

12. Quan MB, Chow WC (1996) "Nonpigmenting fixed drug eruption after pseudoephedrine." Int J Dermatol, 35, p. 367-70

13. Vidal C, Prieto A, PerezCarral C, Armisen M (1998) "Nonpigmenting fixed drug eruption due to pseudoephedrine." Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 80, p. 309-10

14. Hunskaar S, Dragsund S (1985) "Scarlatiniform rash and urticaria due to codeine." Ann Allergy, 54, p. 240-1

15. Gonzalogarijo MA, Revengaarranz F (1996) "Fixed drug eruption due to codeine." Br J Dermatol, 135, p. 498-9

More about Gua PC (codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)

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Further information

Gua PC side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.