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guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine - oral, Duratuss, Maxifed, Venbid, Zep

GENERIC NAME: GUAIFENESIN/PSEUDOEPHEDRINE - ORAL (gweye-FEN-eh-sin/sue-doh-eff-ED-rin)

BRAND NAME(S): Duratuss, Maxifed, Venbid, Zephrex

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

USES: This medicine is used for the temporary relief of nose/sinus/ear stuffiness and cough with phlegm caused by the common cold, allergies, or infection. This product contains 2 medicines. Pseudoephedrine is called a sympathomimetic decongestant and works by opening blocked ears and nose passages. Guaifenesin is called an expectorant. It works by making phlegm in the breathing tubes more liquid. This helps the cough to clear phlegm better.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 as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take with food or milk. Scored tablets may be split for lower doses. Swallow capsules whole. Chewable tablets may be swallowed whole or chewed.The dosage is based on the product you are taking and your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Check the product directions to find the correct dose for you. Do not take more of this medication, take it more often, or take it for longer than recommended.If your doctor directs you to take this medication daily, take it regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take 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, tell your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Mild stomach upset, trouble sleeping, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nervousness, fast heartbeat, loss of appetite, shaking, or unusual sweating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.This product may reduce blood flow to your hands and feet, causing them to feel cold. Smoking may worsen this effect. Dress warmly and avoid tobacco use.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe/uncontrolled shaking, difficulty urinating in men, decreased sexual ability in men.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, panic, hallucinations).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.




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guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine - oral, Duratuss, Maxifed, Venbid, Zep

What is the common cold, and what causes it?

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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