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:
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noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing;
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severe drowsiness, hallucinations;
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fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
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a seizure;
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nervousness, tremors; or
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little or no urination.
Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who are overweight, malnourished, or debilitated.
Common side effects may include:
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dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
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headache;
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nausea, constipation;
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sleep problems (insomnia); or
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feeling nervous, anxious, or restless.
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
- Frequency not reported: CNS depression, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, headache, convulsions, weakness
- Frequency not reported: Restlessness, dizziness, weakness, headache, drowsiness, tremor[Ref]
Codeine
Cardiovascular
- Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, faintness, syncope, orthostatic hypotension, circulatory depression
Pseudoephedrine:
- Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, impaired circulation to the extremities, coronary artery spasm, chest pain[Ref]
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
- Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, biliary tract spasm, increased colonic motility, toxic dilation
- Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain (upper), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
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
- Frequency not reported: Oliguria, urinary retention, antidiuretic effect
Pseudoephedrine:
- Frequency not reported: Urinary retention[Ref]
Codeine
Hypersensitivity
- Frequency not reported: Pruritus, giant urticaria, angioneurotic edema, laryngeal edema
Guaifenesin:
- Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions (pruritus, urticaria)
Pseudoephedrine:
- Frequency not reported: Fixed drug eruptions[Ref]
Codeine
Dermatologic
Codeine:
- Frequency not reported: Rash
Guaifenesin:
- Frequency not reported: Rash
Pseudoephedrine:
- Frequency not reported: Fixed drug eruption in the form of erythematous nodular patches, rash[Ref]
Ocular
- Frequency not reported: Visual disturbances
Pseudoephedrine:
- Frequency not reported: Angle-closure glaucoma
Codeine
Psychiatric
- Frequency not reported: Euphoria, dysphoria, transient hallucination, disorientation
Pseudoephedrine:
- Frequency not reported: Hallucinations (particularly in children), anxiety, excitability, insomnia
Codeine
Respiratory
Codeine:
- Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression
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)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: upper respiratory combinations
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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.