Drug
Codeine-Guaifenesin
Pronounced
"gweye-FEN-eh-sin/KO-deen"
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: interrupted breathing during sleep (sleep apnea), mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations), fast/irregular heartbeat, trouble urinating.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizure.
Codeine is changed into a strong opioid drug (morphine) in your body. In some people, this change happens faster and more completely than usual, which increases the risk of very serious side effects. Get medical help right away if you notice any of the following: slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/difficulty waking up, confusion.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or to opioid pain relievers (such as morphine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: abdominal problems (such as chronic constipation, ileus, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis), adrenal gland problem (such as Addison's disease), brain disorders (such as seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema, sleep apnea), heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as depression, psychosis), obesity, a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), trouble urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate or urethral stricture), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Liquid forms of this medication may contain sugar, alcohol, or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to monitor/avoid these substances in your diet. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and slow/shallow breathing.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. During pregnancy, this product is not recommended. It may harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication. See also Warning section.
This product passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant (such as unusual sleepiness, difficulty feeding, trouble breathing, or unusual limpness). Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.