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Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin Solution

Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin come combined in some medications to treat cold and flu symptoms. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that thins mucus to ease chest congestion. A healthcare provider can tell you if this medication is safe and likely to help you.

What is this medication?

DEXTROMETHORPHAN; GUAIFENESIN (dex troe meth OR fan; gwye FEN e sin) treats the symptoms of the common cold, allergies, or flu. It works by reducing cough and loosening mucus. It is a combination of a cough suppressant and an expectorant.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Altarussin DM, Aquatab DM, Cheracol D, Chest Congestion Relief DM, Delsym Children's Cough + Chest Congestion DM, Delsym Cough + Chest Congestion DM, Delsym DM Children's Cough + Chest Congestion, Dex-Tuss DM, Diabetic Tussin DM, DM/GUAI, Dometuss DM, Drituss DM, Duraganidin DM, Duratuss DM, G-ZYNCOF, Gani-Tuss DM NR, Genatuss DM, Geri-Tussin DM, Geri_Tussin DM, Giltuss Children's Cough & Chest, Giltuss Diabetic Cough & Cold, Giltuss HBP Cough & Chest Congestion, GoodSense Tussin DM, Guai-Dex, Guaiasorb DM, Guiadrine DX, Guiatuss DM, H-T Tussin, Hydro-Tussin DM, Iophen DM-NR, Maxi-Tuss G, Maxi-Tuss GMX, MAXTussin DM, Mucinex Children's Cough, Mucinex Children's FreeFrom Daytime Cough & Mucus, Mucinex Fast Max Kick Start, Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max, Mucus Children's Cough, Naldecon, Nalspan Senior DX, NeoTuss S/F, Nortuss EX, Orgadin-Tuss DM, PECGEN DMX, PediaCare Cough & Congestion, Pulexn DM, Q-Tussin DM, Robafen DM, Robafen DM Clear, Robafen DM Max, Robitussin Adult Cough + Chest Congestion DM, Robitussin Adult Peak Cold, Robitussin Children's Honey Cough & Congestion DM, Robitussin Cough + Chest Congestion DM Max, Robitussin Cough and Congestion, Robitussin DM, Robitussin Honey Cough + Chest Congestion DM, Scot-Tussin Senior, Siltussin DM DAS, Siltussin-DM, Siltussin-DM Diabetic DAS-Na, Siltussin-DM Diabetic DAS-Na Maximum Strength, Simuc-DM, SORBUGEN NR, Su-Tuss DM, Triaminic Cough & Congestion, TRISPEC DMX, Tussi-Organidin DM NR, Tussiden DM, Tussidin DM NR, Tussin DM, Tussin DM Max, Vicks DayQuil Mucus Control DM, Vicks DayQuil Nature Fusion, Vicks Formula 44, Vicks Formula 44E, Vicks Nature Fusion Cough & Chest Congestion, ZYNCOF

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

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

  • Lung or breathing disease, such as COPD or asthma
  • Taken an MAOI, such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in the last 14 days
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the label. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as 6 years 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?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

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?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you need to use this medication for more than 7 days, talk to your care team.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

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

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache

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.

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Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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