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Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine, and Dextromethorphan
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Synonyms
Pharmacological Index
Use
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Mechanism of Action
Usual Dosage
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(gwye FEN e sin, soo doe e FED rin, & deks troe meth OR fan)

U.S. Brand Names
Anatuss® DM [OTC]; Dimacol® Caplets [OTC]; Rhinosyn-X® Liquid [OTC]; Ru-Tuss® Expectorant [OTC]; Sudafed® Cold & Cough Liquid Caps [OTC]

Generic Available

Yes


Synonyms
Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, and Pseudoephedrine; Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Guaifenesin

Pharmacological Index

Antitussive/Decongestant/Expectorant


Use

Temporarily relieves nasal congestion and controls cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation; helps loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive


Warnings/Precautions

Research on chicken embryos exposed to concentrations of dextromethorphan relative to those typically taken by humans has shown to cause birth defects and fetal death; more study is needed, but it is suggested that pregnant women should be advised not to use dextromethorphan-containing medications


Adverse Reactions

See individual agents


Drug Interactions

See individual agents


Mechanism of Action

See individual agents


Usual Dosage

Adults: Oral: 2 capsules (caplets) or 10 mL every 4 hours


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

Use with caution since pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine which could interact with epinephrine to cause a pressor response


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

Guaifenesin: No effects or complications reported

Pseudoephedrine: Up to 10% of patients could experience tachycardia, palpitations, and dry mouth; use vasoconstrictor with caution

Dextromethorphan: No effects or complications reported


Dosage Forms

Caplets (Dimacol®): Guaifenesin 100 mg, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg

Capsule (Sudafed® Cold & Cough Liquid Caps): Guaifenesin 100 mg, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg

Liquid (Anatuss® DM, Novahistine® DMX Liquid, Rhinosyn-X® Liquid, Ru-Tuss® Expectorant): Guaifenesin 100 mg, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg per 5 mL


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