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Anatuss[OTC]

Brand Names

; Anatuss®[OTC] ; Guiatuss CF®[OTC] ; Naldecon® DX Adult Liquid [OTC] ; Naldecon® DX Children's Liquid [OTC] ; Profen II DM® ; Robafen® CF [OTC] ; Robitussin-CF®[OTC] ; Siltussin-CF®[OTC] ; Trikof-D®

Therapeutic Categories

Cough Preparation; Decongestant; Expectorant

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

There is a risk of stroke with use of phenylpropanolamine. The Food and Drug Administration is asking drug companies to stop making products containing phenylpropanolamine.

What is this medicine used for?

Guaifenesin is used to help bring up phlegm, thin secretions, and make a cough productive.
Phenylpropanolamine is used to dry up nasal stuffiness.
Dextromethorphan stops the cough.

How does it work?

Guaifenesin decreases the stickiness of the breathing tubes and allows the fluid to flow more easily.
Phenylpropanolamine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages. Sinus drainage is increased by this.
Dextromethorphan affects the cough reflex in the brain.

How is it best taken?

Take with 1 glass of water unless healthcare provider decreases fluid intake.
Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
A liquid (syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
This medicine may also be taken on an as needed basis depending on relief of symptoms, duration of cold, or allergy.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, rapid heartbeats, and anxiety.
Phenylpropanolamine can cause inability to sleep.
Not for coughs due to smoking, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.

What should I monitor?

Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the same?

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
If cough continues for more than 1 week or tends to return.
Severe headache.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).