Robitussin Ac (Guaifenesin and Codeine) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Robitussin Ac

Acute Bronchitis »

What is acute bronchitis?

Air is pulled into the lungs when we breathe, initially passing through the mouth, nose, and larynx (voicebox) into the trachea and continues en route to each lung via either the right or left bronchi (the bronchial tree - bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli). Bronchi are formed as the lower part of the trachea divides into two tubes that lead to the lungs. As the bronchi get farther away from the trachea, each bronchial tube divides and gets smaller (resembling an inverted tree) to provide the air to lung tissue so that it can transfer oxygen to the blood stream and remove carbon dioxide (the waste product of metabolism).

Bronchitis describes inflammation of the bronchial tubes (inflammation = itis). The inflammation causes swelling of the lining of these breathing tubes, narrowing the tubes and promoting secretion of inflammatory fluid.

Acute bronchitis describes the inflammation of the bronchi u...

Read the Acute Bronchitis article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Robitussin Ac User Reviews >>

Robitussin Ac

The Common Cold Slideshow Pictures

Natural Cold and Flu Remedies Slideshow Pictures

Take the Cold & Flu Quiz

font size

Robitussin Ac Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking codeine and guaifenesin?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to codeine or guaifenesin.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take codeine and guaifenesin:

heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;
asthma, COPD, emphysema, or other breathing disorders;
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
a stomach or intestinal disorder;
Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
curvature of the spine;
a thyroid disorder;
liver or kidney disease;
enlarged prostate; or
a history of depression, mental illness, or drug addiction;

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Codeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The use of codeine by some nursing mothers may lead to life-threatening side effects in the baby. Do not use this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Codeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Codeine should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

Liquid forms of this medication may contain sugar or artificial sweetener (phenylalanine). Talk to your doctor before using this form of codeine and guaifenesin if you have diabetes or phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take codeine and guaifenesin?

Take this medication exactly as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.

Take codeine and guaifenesin with food if it upsets your stomach.

Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you also have a fever, headache, or skin rash.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using codeine and guaifenesin.

Do not stop using this medication suddenly after long-term use or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Store codeine and guaifenesin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Keep track of how much of this medicine has been used from each new bottle. Codeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Related Drug Centers