USES: Guaifenesin/ephedrine liquid is used for the temporary relief of shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness due to asthma. It is also used for coughs caused by certain infections of the air passages (e.g., bronchitis, sinusitis, common cold), especially when the cough produces phlegm. This product is, generally, not used for an ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema), unless directed by your doctor.Ephedrine is called a sympathomimetic and works by relaxing airways to make breathing easier. Guaifenesin is called an expectorant. It works by making phlegm in the breathing tubes more liquid. This helps the cough to clear phlegm better.Ephedrine-containing products should not be used for weight loss, body building, enhancing athletic performance, or increasing energy/alertness, either alone or in combination with other stimulants (e.g., caffeine, sympathomimetic drugs found in nonprescription products). Doing so may increase your risk of serious (possibly fatal) side effects. (See also Side Effects section.)Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk. Use the dosage cup provided or a special medication measuring spoon to measure out the correct dose. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. Check the product directions to find out the correct dose for you.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, if they worsen, or if you develop a fever/chills, contact your doctor. Do not take more medication than is recommended.
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.
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.
The common cold is a self-limited contagious illness that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. The common cold is medically referred to as a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms of the common cold may include
cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. More than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause the common cold, with rhinovirus causing approximately 30%-35%
of all adult colds. Other commonly implicated viruses include
coronavirus,
adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and
parainfluenza virus. 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 six to 12 colds per year while adolescents and adults typically have two...
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