Dihydrocodeine is a narcotic cough suppressant. It affects signals in the brain that trigger the 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 dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin is used to treat cough and to reduce chest congestion caused by allergies, flu, or the common cold.

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

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

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.

Do not take this medication if you have taken furazolidone (Furoxone), sodium oxybate (GHB, Xyrem), or an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious or life-threatening side effects can occur if you take dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin before these other medications have cleared from your body.

You also should not take dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin if you have severe high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, stomach ulcer, blocked intestines, urination problems, narrow angle glaucoma, or if you are having an asthma attack or are allergic to other narcotic medications (Lortab, Vicodin, OxyContin, Demerol, and others).

Do not take dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin with alcohol, other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous side effects may result.

Dihydrocodeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Dihydrocodeine 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 take this medication if you have taken furazolidone (Furoxone), sodium oxybate (GHB, Xyrem), or an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious or life-threatening side effects can occur if you take dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin before these other medications have cleared from your body.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dihydrocodeine or guaifenesin, or if you have:

• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;

• ischemic heart disease (reduced circulation of blood to the heart);

• stomach ulcer;

• a blockage in your intestines;

• urination problems;

• narrow angle glaucoma;

• if you are having an asthma attack; or

• if you are allergic to other narcotic medications such as codeine (Tylenol 3), hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Palladone), meperidine (Demerol), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph), oxycodone (OxyContin), and others.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin:

• heart disease, high or low blood pressure;

• circulation problems or a history of stroke;

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

• kidney or liver disease;

• a history of head injury or brain tumor;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• diabetes;

• a gallbladder or pancreas problem;

• a thyroid disorder;

• glaucoma;

• enlarged prostate, urination problems;

• Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;

• a history of stomach problems such as ulcers, intestinal blockage, ulcerative colitis, or any surgeries; or

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction, or suicidal thoughts.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Dihydrocodeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Dihydrocodeine 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. Dihydrocodeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

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