Generic name: Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Vicks Children's Cough Congestion?
Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat cough, stuffy nose, and chest congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.
Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not use this medicine if you are using or if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:
- heart disease, high blood pressure;
- diabetes;
- a thyroid disorder;
- urination problems due to an enlarged prostate;
- glaucoma;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
- cough with mucus, or cough caused by emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
This medicine may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I use Vicks Children's Cough Congestion
Use Vicks Children's Cough Congestion (Oral) 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.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Follow all directions when giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Misuse of this medicine may cause death in very young children.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.
Follow the storage instructions provided with this medicine. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.
This medicine is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
Vicks Children's Cough Congestion 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.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- little or no urination;
- fast or slow heartbeats;
- confusion, dizziness, feeling unsteady;
- nervousness, sleep problems (insomnia);
- severe nausea or vomiting;
- severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
- slow breathing; or
- unusual changes in mood or behavior.
Common side effects may include:
- diarrhea, constipation;
- 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.
What other drugs will affect Vicks Children's Cough Congestion?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.