USES: This medication contains 2 drugs (dyphylline and guaifenesin) and is used to treat and prevent wheezing and trouble breathing caused by ongoing lung disease (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema). Dyphylline is similar to theophylline and belongs to a class of drugs known as xanthines. It improves breathing by opening the air passages and decreasing the lungs' response to irritants. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.This medication does not work immediately and should not be used to relieve sudden attacks of breathing trouble. If an attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler (such as albuterol) as prescribed by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually every 6 to 8 hours, with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food.If you are taking a liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking nonprescription products that contain caffeine.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose unless your doctor directs you to do so. Taking too much of this medication may cause serious side effects.Be sure you understand which medications to use on a regular basis (controller drugs such as this medication) and which to use as needed for sudden attacks of breathing trouble (quick-relief medications). Consult your doctor about what you should do if your breathing worsens (for example, if you have increased coughing or shortness of breath, or if you wake up at night with breathing trouble).Also discuss what to do if this medication stops working well. Watch for signs of worsening breathing problems and report them to your doctor promptly. Your doctor may need to change your dose of controller medications or may prescribe other drugs that may work better for you. Signs of worsening breathing problems include needing to use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week, more than 1 canister a month), or having peak flow meter readings in the yellow/red range. Get instructions from your doctor about when you can treat breathing problems by yourself and when you must seek immediate medical attention.
Sinus infection (sinusitis) 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.
Bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system in which the bronchial passages become inflamed. There are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Symptoms of acute bronchitis include frequent cough with mucus, lack of energy, wheezing, and possible fever. Treatment may require medication such as bronchial inhalers and predinsone. Supportive treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms with fever reducers, cough suppressants, and rest. Treatment may be more aggressive in patients with pre-existing conditions such as empyema, COPD, or cigarette smoking.
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 maybe a fever. Antibiotics have no effect upon the common cold, and there is no evidence that zinc and vitamin C are effective treatments.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
The lungs are primarily responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air we breathe and the blood. Eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood is important, because as it builds up in the blood, headaches, drowsiness, coma, and eventually death may occur. The air we breathe in (inhalation) is warmed, humidified, and cleaned by the nose and the lungs.
What is hay fever? What are the symptoms and signs?
Hay fever is a misnomer. Hay is not a usual cause of this problem, and it does not cause fever. Early descriptions of sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye irritation while harvesting field hay promoted this popular term.
Allergic rhinitis is the correct term used to describe this allergic reaction, and many different substances cause the allergic symptoms noted in hay fever.
Rhinitis means "irritation of the nose" and is a derivative of rhino, meaning nose. Allergic rhinitis which occurs during a specific season is called "seasonal allergic rhinitis." When it occurs throughout the year, it is called "perennial allergic rhinitis." Rhinosinusitis is the medical term that refers to inflammation of the nasal lining as well as the lining tissues of the sinuses. This term is sometime used because the two conditions frequently occur together.
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