Type of medicine: expectorant; antitussive
Generic and brand names: guaifenesin and dextromethorphan, oral; Altarussin DM; Cheracol D; Coricidin HBP Chest Congestion and Cough Softgel; Dex-Tuss DM; Diabetic Tussin DM; Dometuss DM; Gani-Tuss DM NR; Guaidrine DX; Guaituss DM; Mucinex Children’s Cough; Mucinex Children’s Cough Mini-Melts; Naldecon Senior DX; Orgadin-Tuss DM; Robafen DM; Scot-Tussin Senior; Su-Tuss DM; Tussi Organidin DM-S NR; Q-Tussin DM (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)
This is a combination medicine taken by mouth to relieve coughs due to common colds or other chest infections or irritations. Guaifenesin is used to help bring up mucus from the lungs and thin secretions. Dextromethorphan is used to stop the coughing.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you smoke cigarettes. Smoking can change how this medicine works.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine comes in tablet and liquid (syrup) forms. Do not break, crush, or chew the extended-release tablets. Ask your pharmacist if you have the extended-release tablets.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. If your healthcare provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the medicine package. Do not take more or take it longer than prescribed. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about anything you do not understand.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach. Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: seizures, hallucinations.
Do not give a child under age 4 any cough and cold medicines unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare provider. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Contact your healthcare provider if your cough has not improved after 7 days, or if you have a headache, fever, or rash that does not go away.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert. Alcohol may increase the risk of making you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted effects. The side effects of this medicine are mild and may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Other: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, headache, fever, rash, hives, drowsiness.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
While taking this medicine, do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
