dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin

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Pronunciation: dye HYE droe KOE deen gwye FEN e sin

Brand: J-Max DHC

What is the most important information I should know about dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin?

Do not use this medicine 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, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

What is dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin?

Dihydrocodeine is a narcotic cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

Dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin is a combination medicine used to treat nasal congestion and dry cough, and to reduce chest congestion caused by allergies, flu, or the common cold.

This medicine will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin?

Do not use this medicine 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, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • a severe breathing problem such as asthma attacks;
  • a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
  • severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
  • severe coronary artery disease;
  • narrow-angle glaucoma;
  • stomach ulcer; or
  • bladder obstruction or other urination problems.

To make sure dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • any type of breathing problem or lung disease;
  • heart disease, high blood pressure, history of stroke or blood circulation problems;
  • diabetes;
  • a thyroid disorder;
  • glaucoma;
  • enlarged prostate;
  • problems with your gallbladder or pancreas;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder); or
  • history of seizures, head injury or brain tumor.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. If you use dihydrocodeine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Dihydrocodeine may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

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 of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A dihydrocodeine overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include slow breathing and heart rate, severe drowsiness, muscle weakness, cold and clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin?

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin.

What are the possible side effects of dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and those who are ill or debilitated.

Stop using dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • confusion, hallucinations, agitation, irritability;
  • painful or difficult urination;
  • fast or irregular heartbeat;
  • seizures (convulsions);
  • severe headache, vision changes; or
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.

Common side effects may include:

  • constipation, nausea, vomiting;
  • dizziness, drowsiness, mild headache;
  • anxiety, nervousness;
  • increased sweating; or
  • tiredness, sleep problems (insomnia).

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 dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin?

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about dihydrocodeine and guaifenesin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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