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Guaifenesin / hydromorphone Side Effects

Applies to guaifenesin/hydromorphone: oral syrup.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects of guaifenesin have included dizziness and headache. Central nervous system adverse effects of hydromorphone have included mental depression, dizziness, lightheadedness, respiratory depression (which is sometimes fatal), stupor, delirium, somnolence, agitation, and dysphoria.[Ref]

Opiates may result in psychotic symptoms in some patients.[Ref]

Other

Other side effects of hydromorphone have included withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, tremor, abdominal cramps, blurred vision, vomiting and sweating, after either abrupt cessation or fast tapering of narcotic analgesics.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects of guaifenesin have included upset stomach and vomiting with higher than recommended doses. Doses recommended for expectoration are rarely associated with gastrointestinal upset. Gastrointestinal side effects of hydromorphone have included nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dry mouth.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular adverse effects have included rare reports of hypotension, shock and arrhythmias.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects of hydromorphone have included ureteral spasm, spasm of vesicle sphincters, and urinary retention.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects of guaifenesin have included rash. Narcotic-induced rash has also been reported.[Ref]

References

1. Bellville JW, Forrest WH, Elashoff J, Laska E. Evaluating side effects of analgesics in a cooperative clinical study. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1968;9:303-13.

2. D'Souza M. Unusual reaction to morphine. Lancet. 1987;07/11/87:98.

3. Covington EC, Gonsalves-Ebrahim L, Currie KO, et al. Severe respiratory depression from patient-controlled analgesia in renal failure. Psychosomatics. 1989;30:226-8.

4. White MJ, Berghausen EJ, Dumont SW, et al. Side effects during continuous epidural infusion of morphine and fentanyl. Can J Anaesth. 1992;39:576-82.

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

6. Product Information. Robitussin (guaifenesin). Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories. 2001;PROD.

7. Product Information. Dilaudid Cough Syrup (guaifenesin-hydromorphone). Knoll Pharmaceutical Company. 2001;PROD.

8. Miser AW, Chayt KJ, Sandlund JT, Cohen PS, Dothage JA, Miser JS. Narcotic withdrawal syndrome in young adults after the therapeutic use of opiates. Am J Dis Child. 1986;140:603-4.

9. Portenoy RK, Foley KM. Chronic use of opioid analgesics in non-malignant pain: report of 38 cases. Pain. 1986;25:171-86.

10. Cohen J, Tattersfield H, Lloyd D, Cantopher T. A request for a strong analgesic. Practitioner. 1990;234:691-4.

11. Petersen TK, Husted SE, Rybro L, et al. Urinary retention during I.M. and extradural morphine analgesia. Br J Anaesth. 1982;54:1175-8.

12. de Cuyper C, Goeteyn M. Systemic contact dermatitis from subcutaneous hydromorphone. Contact Dermatitis. 1992;27:220-3.

Further information

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.

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