Ephedrine; Guaifenesin tablets

What is this medication?

EPHEDRINE; GUAIFENESIN [e FED rin; gwye FEN e sin] is a bronchodilator and expectorant combination. It helps open up air passages and make breathing easier for people with mild asthma and helps to thin mucous and make coughs more productive.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Bronkaid, Primatene

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

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

• diabetes (high blood sugar)
• glaucoma
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• high thyroid levels
• mental health disease
• prostate disease
• seizures
• smoke tobacco cigarettes
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
• allergic reaction to ephedrine, guaifenesin, other medicines, food, dyes, or preservatives

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth. Take it as directed on the label.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this medicine in children. While it may be given to children as young as 12 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 medicine is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

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

• MAOIs like Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• caffeine
• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disorders
• other medicines for allergy, cough, and cold
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or staying awake

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 health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

If your symptoms get worse or if you are using this medicine more than normal, call your health care provider right away.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your health care provider for advice. Some nonprescription medicines can affect this one.

If you have asthma, you and your hearth care provider should develop an Asthma Action Plan that is just for you. Be sure to know what to do if you are in the yellow (asthma is getting worse) or red (medical alert) zones.

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 (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)
• fast heartbeat
• seizures
• tremors
• trouble breathing
• trouble sleeping

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

• 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.

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 medicine after the expiration date.

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

• Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medicine, check the label or package insert to see if the medicine should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medicine out of the container. Mix the medicine 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.