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Brand Name: Robitussin-AC

Generic Name: codeine-guaifenesin

An upper respiratory combination - It breaks up and clears congestion

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What is this medicine?

CODEINE; GUAIFENESIN (KOE deen; gwye FEN e sin) is a cough suppressant and expectorant. It breaks up and clears congestion. This medicine also helps to stop or reduce coughing. It will not treat an infection.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

Addison's disease
drug or alcohol abuse or addiction
enlarged prostate
glaucoma
fever
heart disease or high blood pressure
intestinal or stomach problems
kidney disease
liver disease
lung disease like asthma or emphysema
recent surgery or injury
seizures
thyroid disease
trouble passing urine
an allergic or unusual reaction to codeine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, guaifenesin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular times. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you are taking this medicine on a regular basis, do not suddenly stop taking it. Your doctor may want to slowly lower your dose.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

certain medicines used for pain
certain medicines used for sleep, anxiety or depression
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
medicines used to treat opioid addiction or overdose

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. If you have a high fever, skin rash, or headache, see your health care professional.

Drink several glasses of water each day.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

The medicine may cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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