Read the Medication Guide if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. This medication may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

If you are using a liquid form, use a medication-measuring device or spoon to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.

If you are using sustained-release tablets or capsules, swallow the medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets or capsules. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.

Do not increase your dose or use this product more often or for longer than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as restlessness, watering eyes, runny nose, nausea, sweating, muscle aches). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time (more than a few weeks) or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Though it helps many people, this medication has a risk for abuse and may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as directed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When used for an extended time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Tell your doctor if your cough does not get better in 5 days. Also, tell your doctor if your condition gets worse, or if you have a headache that doesn't go away, fever, or rash. These may be symptoms of a serious medical problem and should be checked by a doctor.