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Overview: Codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to reduce coughing, nasal congestion, and other symptoms from the common cold or allergies. It works by affecting the part of the brain that controls the cough reflex, thinning mucus in your airways, and decreasing nasal congestion. Common side effects may include constipation, drowsiness, nervousness, and trouble sleeping. Before using codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine, make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any health conditions or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine used for?

Codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine is commonly used to reduce coughing, nasal congestion, and other symptoms from the common cold or allergies.

Codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine work (mechanism of action)?

Codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine work in different ways to relieve cold and allergy symptoms. Codeine reduces the urge to cough by affecting the part of the brain that controls the cough reflex. Guaifenesin thins mucus by increasing the amount of fluid in your airways, making it easier to clear out. Pseudoephedrine helps reduce nasal congestion by making the blood vessels inside the nose smaller.

How is codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cheratussin DAC
  • Guaiatussin DAC
  • Guaifenesin DAC
  • Lortuss EX
  • Mytussin DAC
  • Robitussin DAC
  • Tricode GF
  • Tusnel C
  • Virtussin DAC

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 10 mg/100 mg/30 mg per 5 mL oral syrup

How should I store codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine?

Codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine?

The most common side effects of codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Nervousness 
  • Trouble sleeping 

There may be other side effects of codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine.

  • Codeine
  • Guaifenesin
  • Pseudoephedrine
  • Cheratussin DAC
  • Guaiatussin DAC
  • Guaifenesin DAC
  • Lortuss EX
  • Mytussin DAC
  • Robitussin DAC
  • Tricode GF
  • Tusnel C
  • Virtussin DAC
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine products they stock.

What should I know about codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine before using it?

Do not take codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine unless it has been prescribed or recommended to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine out of the reach of children. This medicine is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose of codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

Codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine affects you.

Tell your healthcare provider if your cough does not get better after seven days of taking codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine. They will need to check to see if something else is causing the cough. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following. 

  • Heart problems or high blood pressure
  • Thyroid problems or diabetes
  • Problems peeing or prostate problems
  • A persistent cough 
  • Breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Fever and rash or persistent headache

Other Medicines and Supplements. Codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine. The risk of drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine.

Does codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine?

If you or someone else has used too much codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.