By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo

TheMediTary.Com

Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com

  • Home
  • News
  • Drugs
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Medical Answers
  • About Us
  • Contact
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo
Search Drugs
  • Drugs
    • Latest Drugs
    • Drugs A-Z
    • Medical Answers
  • News
    • FDA Alerts
    • Medical News
    • Health
    • Consumer Updates
    • Children's Health
  • More TheMediTary.Com
    • About Us
    • Contact
Follow US
Home > Drugs > Upper respiratory combinations > Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine
Upper respiratory combinations

Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine

https://themeditary.com/drug/dextromethorphan-guaifenesin-and-pseudoephedrine-7975.html
Medically Reviewed by Glamora Samuels, MD TheMediTary.Com | Reviewed: Aug 16, 2023  Additional Content by TheMediTary.Com

Generic name: dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine [ dex-troe-meth-or-fan, gwye-fen-e-sin, soo-doe-e-fed-rin ]

Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Availability: Rx and/or otc

Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available

Brand names: Capmist dm, Despec dm, Entre-cough, Maxifed dmx, Robitussin cold and cough

Contents
Uses Warnings Before Taking Dosage Side effects Interactions

What is Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It 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.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat cough, stuffy nose, sinus congestion and chest congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

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

Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not use dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

How should I take Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough and cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

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.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine within the past few days.

Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion:

Dose referred to by strength of dextromethorphan/guaiFENesin/pseudoephedrine (in mg) per unit of measurement:

Oral liquids (liquid/drops/solution/syrup):

10/187/30 per 5 mL: 10 mL every 4 hours, maximum 4 doses per day

15/200/30 per 5 mL: 5 to 10 mL every 6 hours, maximum 40 mL per day


Oral solids:

20/380/60 per tablet: 1 tablet every 4 hours, maximum 4 doses per day

30/400/30 per tablet: 1 tablet every 6 hours, maximum 4 doses per day

30/400/60 per tablet: 1 tablet every 6 hours, maximum 4 doses per day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion:

Dose referred to by strength of dextromethorphan/guaiFENesin/pseudoephedrine (in mg) per unit of measurement:

Oral liquids (liquid/drops/solution/syrup):

5/50/15 per 5 mL
6 to 12 years: 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours, maximum 4 doses per day
2 to under 6 years: 5 mL every 4 to 6 hours, maximum 4 doses per day

10/187/30 per 5 mL
2 to under 6 years: 2.5 mL every 4 hours, maximum 4 doses per day
6 to under 12 years: 5 mL every 4 hours, maximum 4 doses per day
12 years and older: 10 mL every 4 hours, maximum 4 doses per day

15/200/30 per 5 mL
12+= 10 mL every 6 hours, maximum 4 doses per day

15/200/30 per 5 mL
12 years and older: 5 to 10 mL every 6 hours, maximum 40 mL per day
6 to under 12 years: 2.5 to 5 mL every 6 hours, maximum 20 mL per day


Oral solids:

20/380/60 per tablet
12 years and older: 1 tablet every 4 hours, maximum 4 doses per day
6 to under 12 years: 1/2 tablet every 4 hours, maximum 4 doses per day

30/400/30 per tablet
12 years and older: 1 tablet every 6 hours, maximum 4 doses per day

30/400/60 per tablet
12 years and older: 1 tablet every 6 hours, maximum 4 doses per day
6 to under 12 years: 1/2 tablet every 6 hours, maximum 4 doses per day

Detailed Dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine dosage information
Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine Dosage information (more detail)

Before Taking

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, or pseudoephedrine.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine if you have:

  • high blood pressure or coronary artery disease;

  • diabetes;

  • glaucoma;

  • epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

  • enlarged prostate or urination problems;

  • pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor); or

  • cough with mucus, or cough caused by emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

It is not known whether dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

This medicine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Decongestants may also slow breast milk production. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially sweetened cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is taken when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?

dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medicine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, or allergy medicine. Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains a decongestant, expectorant, or cough suppressant.

Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medication may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • fast or uneven heart rate;

  • severe dizziness or anxiety, feeling like you might pass out;

  • severe headache;

  • mood changes;

  • fever; or

  • dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, chest pain, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Common side effects of dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine may include:

  • diarrhea;

  • dizziness, drowsiness;

  • sleep problems (insomnia); or

  • feeling nervous, restless, or irritable.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more: Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine Side Effects

What other drugs will affect Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking this medicine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

More about Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine (Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine [ dex-troe-meth-or-fan, gwye-fen-e-sin, soo-doe-e-fed-rin ])

Dosage information
Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine Side Effects
During pregnancy
Drug images
Side effects
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Related treatment guides

Cough and Nasal Congestion
Share this Article
Contents
Uses Warnings Before Taking Dosage Side effects Interactions
Related Drugs
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec
Cerave Anti-Itch
Centrum Adult
Crovalimab
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe
Zepbound Pen
Mylanta One
Uretron Ds
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing
Lidotrode

Other drugs

Name Drug Class Updated
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec Drugs 03-Oct-2024
Cerave Anti-Itch Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Centrum Adult Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Crovalimab Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe Drugs 01-Oct-2024
Zepbound Pen Drugs 30-Sep-2024
Mylanta One Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Uretron Ds Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Lidotrode Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Libervant Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Moderna Covid-19 Drugs 25-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024

Categories

  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health

About US

Welcome to TheMediTary.Com

Our website provides reliable and up-to-date information on various medical topics. We empower individuals to take charge of their health by simplifying complex medical jargon and providing practical tips and advice. We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our users and welcome feedback to improve our services.

Website use data of FDA and other sources

DMCA.com Protection Status Truste Protection Status Trust Mark Protection Status
HONcode logo We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.
Quick Link
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • DMCA
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Sitemap
  • Care Notes
  • Health Guide
  • Professional
Drugs
  • New Drugs
  • Medical Answers
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Drug Classes
  • Drug Dosage
  • Pill Identifier
  • Consumer Infor
  • Side Effects
  • Inactive Ingredients
  • Pregnancy Warnings
  • Patient Tips
  • Treatments
News
  • Latest News
  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health
Find US
  • Medium
  • Google Site
  • Blogspot
  • API
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • Scoop.it
  • Substack
  • Wordpress
  • Wix
  • Behance

© 2025 TheMediTary.Com All rights reserved. Operated by