Drug Notes

Guaifenesin/hydrocodone (By mouth)

Guaifenesin (gwye-FEN-e-sin), Hydrocodone (hye-droe-KOE-done)

Treats cough and other symptoms of a cold. This medicine contains a narcotic and a cough suppressant.

Brand Name(s):

Flowtuss, Obredon

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Missed dose: 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.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.
• Tell your doctor if you are using medicine to treat depression.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. This medicine can intensify the effects of alcohol or any other medicine that makes you sleepy, such as allergy or anxiety medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, Addison disease, asthma, diabetes, enlarged prostate, thyroid disease, trouble urinating, severe breathing problems or cough, or recently had a head injury or stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you have been addicted to alcohol or drugs.
• This medicine may cause severe breathing problems.
• Get emergency help at once if you think you have taken an overdose of this medicine. An overdose could be life-threatening.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
• Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone. An overdose in a child could cause death.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Extreme dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness, trouble breathing, slow heartbeat or breathing, seizures, and cold, clammy skin

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