Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: guaifenesin, and phenylephrine
BRAND NAME: Entex
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Entex is a medication that
contains 2
different drugs, an expectorant (guaifenesin) and a
decongestant
(phenylephrine). The expectorant
effects of
guaifenesin promote drainage of mucus from the lungs by
thinning the mucus. It also lubricates the irritated
respiratory tract.
Phenylephrine relieves stuffy nose by
constricting blood vessels in the nasal air passages. This
reduces the
flow of fluid out of the blood vessels and into the tissues of
the air
passages.
NOTE:
Entex LA is a combination of guaifenesin and phenylephrine in a longer acting capsule. Entex-PSE is a combination of
guaifenesin
and another decongestant, pseudoephedrine.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules; liquid
STORAGE: Tablets and liquid should be stored below
30°C (86°F). Do not refrigerate the liquid.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Entex and Entex PSE are used for the temporary relief
of runny
nose, sneezing, nasal congestion from the common cold,
bronchitis, or
pharyngitis. Entex and Entex PSE also are used for inflamed nasal passages
(sinusitis) and
sinus congestion.
DOSING: Entex and Entex PSE may be taken with or without food. They
must be used
cautiously in patients with heart (coronary artery) disease and
angina,
and diabetes.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Entex and Entex PSE should not be taken with MAO
inhibitors
drugs.
PREGNANCY: Phenylephrine and
pseudoephedrine cause birth defects in some animal species.
Additionally,
there have been associations between first trimester exposure
to these
medications and malformations, primarily minor malformations.
Although one
analysis found a correlation between guaifenesin use in the
first
trimester of pregnancy and an increased risk of hernia, others
found no
increased risk of malformations. Thus, Entex and Entex PSE should be used in
pregnancy
only if the physician feels that the potential benefits
outweigh the potential
risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: There is no
information on the secretion of phenylephrine or
guaifenesin into breast
milk.
Pseudoephedrine is secreted in breast milk. The American
Academy of
Pediatrics considers pseudoephedrine to be compatible with
nursing.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of Entex and Entex PSE include stimulation
of the
nervous system leading to nervousness, restlessness,
excitability,
dizziness, headache, fear, anxiety, tremor, and even
hallucinations and
convulsions (seizures).
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 11/14/2002
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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