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Generic Name: guaifenesin and phenylephrine (gwye FEH ne sin and feh nill EFF rin)
Brand Names: Amidal, Amitex LA, Chemdal, Crantex, Crantex ER, Crantex LA Capsules, Crantex LA Tablets, Deconex, Deconsal II, Deconsal Pediatric, Despec, Duraphen II, Efasin, Endal, Entex, Entex ER, Entex LA, Gentex LA, Guaifed Caps, Guaifed PD, Guaiphen-PD, Liquibid-D, Liquibid-D 1200, Liquibid-PD, Lusonex, Nasex-G, Nescon-PD, Phenavent, Phenavent D, Phenavent LA, Phenavent PED, Prolex D, Quindal, Rescon-GG, Sina-12X, Sinupan, SINUvent PE, Tussbid, Wellbid-D, Wellbid-D 1200, Xedec

What is Xedec (guaifenesin and phenylephrine)?

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It is used to break up congestion and mucous. Guaifenesin thins mucous, increases lubrication of the respiratory tract (lungs, nose, and throat), and increases the removal of mucous.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries), which reduces the swelling of mucous membranes in areas such as the nose and sinuses.

Guaifenesin and phenylephrine is used to treat the symptoms of the common cold and other respiratory infections.

Guaifenesin and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Xedec (guaifenesin and phenylephrine)?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Guaifenesin and phenylephrine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Drink plenty of extra fluid while taking this medication. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where they are scored to make them easier to swallow if necessary.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking guaifenesin and phenylephrine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain guaifenesin, phenylephrine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Xedec (guaifenesin and phenylephrine)?

Do not take guaifenesin and phenylephrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• high blood pressure or heart disease;

• diabetes;

• a peripheral vascular disorder (poor circulation to the hands and feet);

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye(s);

• an overactive thyroid; or

• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take guaifenesin and phenylephrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Guaifenesin and phenylephrine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether guaifenesin and phenylephrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. . This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from guaifenesin and phenylephrine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take Xedec (guaifenesin and phenylephrine)?

Take guaifenesin and phenylephrine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Increasing fluid intake during the day may help relieve congestion. Take guaifenesin and phenylephrine with food if it causes stomach upset. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where they are scored to make them easier to swallow if necessary. Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of guaifenesin and phenylephrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Store guaifenesin and phenylephrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a guaifenesin and phenylephrine overdose include vomiting, high blood pressure (headache, redness of face, blurred vision), an irregular heartbeat, and numbness of the fingers or toes.

What should I avoid while taking Xedec (guaifenesin and phenylephrine)?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Guaifenesin and phenylephrine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking guaifenesin and phenylephrine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain guaifenesin, phenylephrine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Xedec (guaifenesin and phenylephrine) side effects

No serious side effects are expected from treatment with guaifenesin and phenylephrine. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take guaifenesin and phenylephrine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness or headache;

• nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia;

• nausea or stomach upset; or

• difficulty urinating.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Xedec (guaifenesin and phenylephrine)?

Do not take guaifenesin and phenylephrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking guaifenesin and phenylephrine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain guaifenesin, phenylephrine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with guaifenesin and phenylephrine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about guaifenesin and phenylephrine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Guaifenesin and phenylephrine is available with a prescription in several brand and generic formulations. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 7.01. Revision Date: 10/19/05 12:28:20 PM.