QualityHealth Home >
Health Encyclopedia >
Drugs & Medications >
Antitussive/antihistamine/decongestant/expectorant (By mouth)
Antitussive/antihistamine/decongestant/expectorant (By mouth)
How to Use This Medicine
Liquid, Tablet, Capsule, Long Acting Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
- Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
- This medicine is not for long-term use.
If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are using indomethacin (Indocin®) or methyldopa (Aldomet®). Tell your doctor if you are using a beta-blocker medicine such as atenolol, metoprolol (Toprol®), or propranolol (Inderal®). Beta-blocker medicines are often used to treat migraines, heart problems, or high blood pressure.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to treat depression, such as amitriptyline, doxepin, or nortriptyline. Tell your doctor if you are taking phenothiazine medicine such as prochlorperazine (Compazine®), Mellaril®, Phenergan®, or Thorazine®. Phenothiazine medicine may be used to treat severe vomiting, psychiatric problems, or other conditions.
- There are many other drugs that may interact with this type of medicine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies, kidney problems, liver problems, Addison's disease, asthma, or serious lung disease such as emphysema (COPD). Tell your doctor if you have a brain tumor, recent head injury, or a medical condition that causes increased pressure in your head (such as hydrocephalus). Make sure your doctor knows if you have prostate problems, or a narrowing or blockage of your digestive tract or urinary tract.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to phenylephrine, brompheniramine, dextromethorphan, chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®), guiafenesin, or to any antihistamine, cough medicine, cold or allergy medicine, or decongestant. Tell your doctor if you cannot use medicine that contains alcohol.
- This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Make sure your doctor knows if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
- This medicine may hide the warning signs of certain serious medical conditions. Do not use this medicine for a chronic (long-term) cough unless your doctor tells you to.
- 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.
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
- Confusion, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there), seizures, or fainting.
- Heartbeat that is pounding or uneven.
- New or worsening fever.
- Sudden or severe headache.
- Trouble urinating, or feeling like you have a full bladder even after you urinate.
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Anxiety, trouble sleeping, or other mood changes that are bothersome to you.
- Lightheadedness, blurred vision, or eyes sensitive to light.
- Cough that lasts more than one week, that comes back often, or that happens with a fever, rash, or headache.
- Nausea that does not go away after you lie down.
- Tremors (shaking) or problems with balance or coordination.
- Vomiting, stomach upset, dry mouth, or constipation.
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
Introduction
Treats cough and congestion.
Brand Name(s)
Genelan, Father John's Medicine Plus, Neotuss-D, Genepatuss, Pediahist DM, AllanHist PDX, Bromhist-PDX, Chlorodex GP, Panatuss DXP, Panatuss DXP Pediatric
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the ingredients in the medicine you are using. You should not use this medicine if you have certain heart problems, or if you have severe high blood pressure. You should not use this medicine if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. You should not use this medicine if you have narrow angle glaucoma, asthma, stomach ulcers, or certain problems urinating. You should not use this medicine if you are breast feeding an infant. 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 Store and Dispose of This Medicine
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Review Date:
August 4, 2012
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or
treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and
treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are
provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
Popular Health Centers
Sign Up for Free Newsletters
Ask Your Doctor the RIGHT Questions!
Get FREE tools and tips to get
the most from your doctor visit.
Emailed right to you!
The Ask Your Doctor email series
may contain sponsored content.
18+, US residents only please.
the most from your doctor visit.
Emailed right to you!
The Ask Your Doctor email series
may contain sponsored content.
18+, US residents only please.
- Stories
- Video
- Top Searches
- 1. Arthritis Management: Nature Heals
- 2. 5 Digestive To-Dos
- 3. Men: Should You Shave It or Leave It?
- 4. Today's Top Fitness Trends
- 5. Sugar and Osteoarthritis : The Link
- 6. Can't Afford Your Hospital Bills?
- 7. Stay Energized All Day Long
- 8. Phobias: Who Has Them and Why?
- 9. What If Your EpiPen Fails?
- 10. 5 Costly Medical Billing Mistakes
- 1. Ice Falls Can Cause Serious Injuries
- 2. Can Inactivity Act Like a Disease?
- 3. Kale Snack Recipe for Diabetics
- 4. How Running Affects Arthritis
- 5. Sugar and Your Immunity System
- 6. Do Weight Loss Supplements Work?
- 7. 5 Super Foods for Spring
- 8. The Hazards of Reusable Bags
- 9. How to Avoid Ingrown Hairs
- 10. Health Tip: Constantly Change Shoes
- 1. 4 Common Treatments for Epilepsy
- 2. What Does a Urogynecologist Do?
- 3. GERD Without Heartburn? It's Possible
- 4. Graston Technique: Can It Work on You?
- 5. Music Therapy Can Help Autism
- 6. 8 Ways to Fight MS-Related Fatigue
- 7. Can You Still Bleed After Menopause?
- 8. Be Your Own Health Care Advocate
- 9. Why Is Syphillis on the Rise?
- 10. Ideal Weight vs. Happy Weight
Quick Links:
Health Centers:
ADD/ADHD
Allergies
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Bipolar Disorder
Breast Cancer
COPD
Cancer
Caregiving
Children's
Cholesterol
Colds & Infections
Crohn's Disease
Dental & Vision
Depression
Diabetes
Diet & Weight Loss
Eating & Nutrition
Epilepsy
Erectile Dysfunction
Fitness & Exercise
Flu Treatment
Healthy Aging & Retirement
Heart Health
Heartburn & GERD
IBS
Incontinence
Men's Health
Meningitis
Menopause
Mental Health & Addiction
Migraines & Headaches
Multiple Sclerosis
Osteoporosis
Pain Management
Parkinson's Disease
Pregnancy
Relationships & Emotional Health
Sexual Health
Skin Care & Beauty
Sleep Management
Smoking Cessation
Stomach & Digestive
Women's Health
Company Info:
Editorial Policy
Privacy Policy
Advertising Policy
Terms Of Use
Affiliate Program
Advertise with Us
Contact Us
Our Contributors
©2013 QualityHealth.com. All rights reserved.
The material on the QualityHealth Web site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a physician or other qualified health provider. See additional information.
The material on the QualityHealth Web site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a physician or other qualified health provider. See additional information.



