Drugs >  Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine, and ...
Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine, and Phenylephrine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(gwye FEN e sin, fen il proe pa NOLE a meen, & fen il EF rin)

Brand Names
Coldloc®; Contuss®; Dura-Gest®; Enomine®; Entex®; Guaifenex®; Guiatex®

Therapeutic Categories
Decongestant; Expectorant

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

  • There is a risk of stoke with use of phenylpropanolamine. The Food and Drug Administration is asking drug companies to stop making products containing phenylpropanolamine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • Guaifenesin is used to help bring up phlegm, thin secretions, and make a cough productive.
  • Phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine are used to dry up nasal stuffiness.


How does it work?

  • Guaifenesin decreases the stickiness of the breathing tubes and allows the fluid to flow more easily.
  • Phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine shrink swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages. Sinus drainage is increased by this.


How is it best taken?

  • Take with 1 glass of water unless healthcare provider decreases fluid intake.
  • A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • This medicine may also be taken on an as needed basis depending on relief of symptoms, duration of cold, or allergy.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, rapid heartbeats, and anxiety.
  • Phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine can cause inability to sleep.
  • Not for coughs due to smoking, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
  • Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.


What should I monitor?

  • Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the same?


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • If cough continues for more than 1 week or tends to return.
  • Severe headache.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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