What is codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen mucus congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
The combination of codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat stuffy nose and cough, and to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.
Codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cough or cold medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains guaifenesin or pseudoephedrine.
Codeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Codeine 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.
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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?
Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
You should not take codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you have:
severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
severe coronary artery disease; or
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before taking codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
heart disease or high blood pressure;
ischemic heart disease (reduced circulation of blood to the heart);
asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
diabetes;
a thyroid disorder;
glaucoma;
liver or kidney disease;
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
enlarged prostate, urination problems;
a stomach or intestinal disorder;
Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
if you have recently had surgery on your stomach, intestines, kidney, or bladder.
gallbladder disease;
mental illness; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Codeine can cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
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. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.