$Unique_ID{BRK01904}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CODEINE AND GUAIFENESIN COMBINATION}
$Subject{Cheracol (Upjohn)
Guiatuss A.C. (various manufacturers)
Guiatussin with Codeine (Rugby)
Mytussin AC (PBI)
Nortussin with Codeine (Vortech)
Robitussin A-C (Robins)
Tolu-Sed (Scherer)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CODEINE AND GUAIFENESIN COMBINATION
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Cheracol (Upjohn)
     Guiatuss A.C. (various manufacturers)
     Guiatussin with Codeine (Rugby)
     Mytussin AC (PBI)
     Nortussin with Codeine (Vortech)
     Robitussin A-C (Robins)
     Tolu-Sed (Scherer)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Cough suppressant and expectorant combination
INGREDIENTS:
     codeine and guaifenesin
DOSAGE FORM:
     Oral syrup (10 mg codeine and 100 mg guaifenesin per 5-ml spoonful, with
       3.5%, 4.75%, or 10% alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Codeine and guaifenesin combination should be stored at room temperature
       in a tightly closed container.

USES

     This medication is used to relieve coughs due to colds or infections or
inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.  Guaifenesin is an expectorant,
which loosens bronchial secretions.  Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant,
which acts on the cough center in the brain.

TREATMENTYou can take codeine and guaifenesin combination syrup either on an
empty stomach or, to avoid stomach irritation, with food or milk (as directed
by your doctor).
     Each dose should be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml
measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
     To help loosen the mucus in the bronchi, you should drink a glass of
water after each dose.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed one as
soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In
that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to
your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, restlessness, stomach upset,
vomiting, or weakness.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision; cold, clammy skin; confusion; difficulty in breathing; or
fainting.

INTERACTIONS

     Codeine and guaifenesin combination can interact with several other types
of medications:
     1. Concurrent use with other central nervous system depressants (such as
alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, other
narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine tranquilizers, and sleeping
medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants can lead to extreme drowsiness.
     2. Use of a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within 14 days of use of
codeine and guaifenesin combination can lead to serious side effects.
     3. Cimetidine combined with this medication can cause confusion,
disorientation, and shortness of breath.
     Before starting codeine and guaifenesin combination, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR
DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those
listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to guaifenesin or codeine, or to other narcotics
(such as hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, methadone, opium, oxycodone,
propoxyphene, and pentazocine).
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had asthma, brain disease, enlarged prostate
gland, gallstones or gallbladder disease, gastrointestinal diseases, heart
disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, mental disorders, or
thyroid disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in activities
that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially
dangerous equipment.
     * While you are taking this medication, drink at least eight glasses of
water a day (to help loosen bronchial secretions).
     * Because this product contains codeine, it has the potential for abuse
and must be used with caution.  Tolerance may develop quickly; you should not
use it in higher doses or for longer periods than recommended by your doctor.
If you have been taking it for longer than several weeks, do not stop taking
it until you first check with your doctor.  Stopping the drug abruptly can
lead to a withdrawal reaction (body aches, diarrhea, gooseflesh, vomiting,
restlessness, runny nose, sneezing, sweating, trembling, or excessive
yawning).  Your doctor may, therefore, want to reduce your dosage gradually.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Large amounts of
codeine taken during pregnancy can lead to addiction in the developing fetus,
resulting in withdrawal reactions in the newborn infant.  Also, tell your
doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Codeine may pass into breast milk
and can cause extreme drowsiness in the nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
