What is this medication?

DEXTROMETHORPHAN; GUAIFENESIN (dex troe meth OR fan; gwye FEN e sin) is a combination of a cough suppressant and expectorant. It is used for the temporary relief of coughs. This medicine is also used to loosen mucus.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AllFen DM, Bidex-DMI, Congesta DM, ExeFen-DM, Humibid CS, Mintab DM, Mucosa DM, Mucus Relief, Mucus Relief DM, MucusRelief DM, Zotex DMX

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•chronic bronchitis

•kidney disease

•liver disease

•lung or breathing disease, like asthma or emphysema

•unable to sit up

•an unusual or allergic reaction to dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, other medicines, foods, dyes, bromides, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

•procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•other medicines for colds or allergy

•medicines for depression or other mental disturbances

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Do not treat yourself for a cough for more than 1 week without consulting your doctor or health care professional. If you have a high fever, skin rash, lasting headache, or sore throat, see your doctor.

Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily while you are taking this medicine to help loosen mucus.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•confusion

•excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•headache

•stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.