Antitussive/decongestant/expectorant (By mouth)

Treats a stuffy nose, chest congestion, and cough caused by a cold or the flu.

Brand Name(s):

Actidom DMX, Actinel, Actinel Pediatric, Aldex GS DM, Ambi 10PEH/400GFN/20DM, Ambi 60PSE/400GFN/20DM, Ambifed DM, Ambifed-G DM, BP 8 Cough, Broncotron PED, Broncotron PED drops, Carbatab-12, Carbatuss, Carbatuss-CL, Certuss-D

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to decongestants, expectorants, or cough medicine. You should not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil®, Marplan®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Liquid Filled Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid, 12 Hour Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
This medicine may make you restless. If you have trouble sleeping, do not use this medicine at bedtime.
Swallow the regular tablet, regular capsule, extended-release tablet, or extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. The chewable tablet should be chewed completely before you swallow.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, medicine dropper, or medicine cup.
You may take your medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

If a dose is missed:

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine for high blood pressure or depression, especially an MAO inhibitor (Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®).
Avoid drinking alcohol or using diet pills (Accutrim®, Dexatrim®) while using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, glaucoma, or an overactive thyroid.
Do not use this medicine to treat a cough caused by asthma, emphysema, or smoking.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Some liquid cough medicines contain alcohol.
Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse after 2 or 3 days of treatment, or if they do not get better after 7 days. Also call if you develop a severe sore throat, fever, or rash, or if you cough up thick yellow mucus.
Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults are, especially if too much is used. Always read medicine labels carefully, and give your child the right amount. If you are not sure how much medicine to give the child, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Cold, clammy skin
Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
Trouble breathing
Severe headache
Skin rash, hives, or itching

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Restlessness
Drowsiness, dizziness
Depression
Trouble sleeping
Stomach upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017