guaifenesin & codeine (Cheratussin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage (original) (raw)

• What is guaifenesin with codeine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
• What are the side effects of guaifenesin with codeine?
• What is the dosage for guaifenesin with codeine?
• Which drugs or supplements interact with guaifenesin with codeine?
• Is guaifenesin with codeine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
• What else should I know about guaifenesin with codeine?

What is guaifenesin with codeine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Guaifenesin with codeine is an oral, liquid cough medicine. Guaifenesin is an expectorant, which works by thinning and increasing the volume of mucus. Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant that works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, eventually reducing the frequency of cough.

What brand names are available for guaifenesin with codeine?

N/A

Is guaifenesin with codeine available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for guaifenesin with codeine?

Yes

What is the dosage for guaifenesin with codeine?

• Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Take 2 teaspoon (10 ml) by mouth every 4 hours as needed.
• Children 6 years to 12 years of age: Take 1 teaspoon (5 ml) by mouth every 4 hours as needed.
• Children 2 years to 6 years of age: Consult a doctor.
• Children under 2 years of age: Do not use.
• Do not use more than 6 doses in a 24-hour period.

Which drugs or supplements interact with guaifenesin with codeine?

Naltrexone (Riva) decreases the effect of codeine in the body, therefore codeine must not be used with naltrexone.

Any other medications that increase drowsiness should be used with caution with guaifenesin and codeine.

Is guaifenesin with codeine safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies with guaifenesin and codeine to determine its safety and effectiveness in pregnant women.

Guaifenesin with codeine is excreted in breast milk; therefore, it must be used with caution in nursing mothers.

What else should I know about guaifenesin with codeine?

What preparations of guaifenesin with codeine are available?

Guaifenesin with codeine phosphate is available as an oral liquid. One teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid contains 10 mg of codeine phosphate and 100 mg or 300 mg of guaifenesin.

How should I keep guaifenesin with codeine stored?

Guaifenesin and codeine liquid should be stored between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).

Health News

Summary

Guaifenesin and codeine phosphate is a drug prescribed for the treatment of cough caused by conditions such as the flu, cold, bronchitis, or sinusitis. Side effects, drug interactions, and dosage information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication. There are no generic or brand names available for this drug. Previous brand names include Cheratussin AC, Codar GF, Dex-Tuss, Guaiatussin AC, Iophen C-NR, M-Clear WC, Mar-Cof CG, Virtussin A/C, Tussi-Organidin NR, and Mytussin AC.

Related Disease Conditions

• Cough: 19 Tips on How to Stop a Cough Coughing is a reflex that helps a person clear their airways of irritants. There are many causes of an excessive or severe cough including irritants like cigarette and secondhand smoke, pollution, air fresheners, medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, the common cold, GERD, lung cancer, and heart disease.Natural and home remedies to help cure and soothe a cough include staying hydrated, gargle salt water, use cough drops or lozenges, use herbs and supplements like ginger, mint, licorice, and slippery elm, and don't smoke. Over-the-counter products (OTC)to cure and soothe a cough include cough suppressants and expectorants, and anti-reflux drugs. Prescription drugs that help cure a cough include narcotic medications, antibiotics, inhaled steroids, and anti-reflux drugs like proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, for example, omeprazole (Prilosec), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and pantoprazole (Protonix).
• Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) An upper respiratory infection is a contagious infection of the structures of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. Common causes of an upper respiratory infection include bacteria and viruses such as rhinoviruses, group A streptococci, influenza, respiratory syncytial, whooping cough, diphtheria, and Epstein-Barr. Examples of symptoms of upper respiratory infection include sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and nasal congestion. Treatment of upper respiratory infections are based upon the cause. Generally, viral infections are treated symptomatically with over-the-counter (OTC) medication and home remedies.
• Sinusitis Sinus infection (sinusitis) is caused by allergies, infection, and chemicals or other irritants of sinuses. Signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.
• Common Cold The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and sometimes a fever.
• Mucus Mucus is a standard substance produced by lining tissues in the body. Excess mucus or yellow, green, brown, or bloody mucus may indicate a problem. Mucus production may increase when allergies, a cold, flu, cough, or sore throat occur. Antihistamines and cold and flu medications may help alleviate excess mucus. A neti pot may be used to decrease nasal congestion and clear mucus.
• Chronic Cough Chronic cough is a cough that does not go away and is generally a symptom of another disorder such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus infection, cigarette smoking, GERD, postnasal drip, bronchitis, pneumonia, medications, and less frequently tumors or other lung disease. Chronic cough treatment is based on the cause, but may be soothed natural and home remedies.
• Acute Bronchitis Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the lung. Acute bronchitis is short (10-20 days) in comparison with chronic bronchitis, which lasts for months to years. Causes of acute bronchitis include viruses and bacteria, which means it can be contagious. Acute bronchitis caused by environmental factors such as pollution or cigarette smoke is not contagious. Common symptoms of acute bronchitis include nasal congestion, cough, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. Acute bronchitis in children also may include runny nose, fever, and chest pain. Treatment for acute bronchitis includes OTC pain relievers, cough suppressants (although not recommended in children), and rest. Infrequently antibiotics may be prescribed to treat acute bronchitis.
• Flu (Influenza) Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. The flu may be prevented with an annual influenza vaccination.
• Chronic Bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is a cough that occurs daily with the production of sputum that lasts for at least 3 months, 2 years in a row. Causes of chronic bronchitis include cigarette smoking, inhaled irritants, and underlying disease processes (such as asthma, or congestive heart failure). Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Treatments include bronchodilators and steroids. Complications of chronic bronchitis include COPD and emphysema.
• Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, and Colds If you have a COPD such as emphysema, avoiding chronic bronchitis and colds is important to avoid a more severe respiratory infection such as pneumonia. Avoiding cigarette smoking, practice good hygeine, stay away from crowds, and alerting your healthcare provider if you have a sinus infection or cold or cough that becomes worse. Treatment options depend upon the severity of the emphysema, bronchitis, or cold combination.

Treatment & Diagnosis

Medications & Supplements

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Medically reviewed by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP; Board Certified Emergency Medicine

REFERENCES:

FDA Prescribing Information.