Pronunciation: DEX-troe-meth-OR-fan/gwye-FEN-e-sin
Generic Name: Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin
Brand Name: Examples include Guaifenex DM and Bidex-A
Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets are used for:
Temporarily relieving cough due to the common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, sinus inflammation, sore throat, or bronchitis.
Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets are a combination of an expectorant (guaifenesin) and a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan). It works by loosening mucus and lung secretions in the chest and making coughs more productive.
Do NOT use Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets
- you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, selegiline) within the last 14 days
- you are taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (eg, fluoxetine)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets:
Some medical conditions may interact with Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have chronic cough, chronic bronchitis or any breathing problems, such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- if you have been very ill or weakened, or you are confined to a bed or chair
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- MAOIs (eg, selegiline) and SSRIs (eg, fluoxetine) because the risk of serious side effects may be increased by Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets:
Use Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
- Swallow Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Some brands of Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets may be broken in half before taking. If you have difficulty swallowing the whole tablet, ask your pharmacist if your brand of medicine may be broken in half.
- Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets are recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
- If you miss a dose of Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets.
Important safety information:
- Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets without first checking with your doctor; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- If your cough lasts for more than 1 week or comes back, or if you also have a fever, rash, or persistent headache, contact your health care provider. A persistent cough could be a sign of a serious condition.
- Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets has dextromethorphan in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has dextromethorphan in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets.
- Use Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets while you are pregnant. It is not known if Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets are found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets.
Possible side effects of Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Dizziness; drowsiness; stomach upset.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Guaifenex DM side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; excitement; hallucinations; slowed breathing.
Proper storage of Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets:
Store Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Guaifenex DM Extended-Release Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Guaifenex DM resources
- Guaifenex DM Side Effects (in more detail)
- Guaifenex DM Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Guaifenex DM Drug Interactions
- Guaifenex DM Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Guaifenex DM - Add your own review/rating
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