Codeine is in a group of drugs called narcotics. It is a cough suppressant that affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

The combination of codeine and guaifenesin is used to treat cough and to reduce chest congestion caused by upper respiratory infections or the common cold.

Codeine and guaifenesin will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Codeine and guaifenesin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cough or cold medicine. Guaifenesin is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much guaifenesin. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an guaifenesin, or an expectorant.

Codeine and guaifenesin may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Codeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to codeine or guaifenesin.

To make sure you can safely take codeine and guaifenesin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;

• asthma, COPD, emphysema, or other breathing disorders;

• a history of head injury or brain tumor;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• a stomach or intestinal disorder;

• Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;

• curvature of the spine;

• a thyroid disorder;

• liver or kidney disease;

• enlarged prostate; or

• a history of depression, mental illness, or drug addiction;

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether codeine and guaifenesin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Codeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The use of codeine by some nursing mothers may lead to life-threatening side effects in the baby. Do not use this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Codeine may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share this medication with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

Liquid forms of this medication may contain sugar or artificial sweetener (phenylalanine). Talk to your doctor before using this form of codeine and guaifenesin if you have diabetes or phenylketonuria (PKU).