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GENERIC NAME: EXPECTORANTS/NARCOTIC ANTITUSSIVE/ANTIHISTAMINE - ORAL

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Expectorants help to loosen mucus. Narcotic antitussives are narcotic pain relievers that in low doses suppress a cough. Antihistamines relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and throat and itchy, watery eyes. This combination medication is used to treat a cough and symptoms associated with the common cold, allergies, hay fever, sinusitis or other respiratory illnesses.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as prescribed. Be sure to follow instructions closely. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. If stomach upset occurs, this may be taken after a meal or snack.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach upset or dry mouth may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, rapid pulse, skin rash, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating, tremors, nervousness, trouble breathing. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication causes you to feel drowsy. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease (e.g., asthma, emphysema), high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate trouble, depression, drug dependency, any allergies. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

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.


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  • Hay Fever - Learn about treatment, medications and ways to manage hay fever, plus, read about causes, signs, symptoms and diagnosis of allergies and allergic rhinitis.

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expectorants-narcotic antitussive-antihistamine-oral

What is the common cold, and what causes it?

The common cold, also known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection, is a self-limited contagious illness that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. More than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause the common cold. Because so many different viruses can cause a cold and because new cold viruses constantly develop, the body never builds up resistance against all of them. For this reason, colds are a frequent and recurring problem. In fact, children in preschool and elementary school can have three to 12 colds per year while adolescents and adults typically have two to four colds per year. The common cold is the most frequently occurring illness in the world, and it is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work.

What are the symptoms of the common cold?

Symptoms of the common cold include nasal stuffiness or drainage, sor...

Read the Common Cold article »



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