Guaifenesin-Dextromethorphan

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: May 25, 2023

Directions


How To Use Dextromethorphan-Guaifenesin

Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin come in the form of a capsule, tablet, extended-release tablet, oral solution, syrup, and dissolvable granules to take by mouth every 4-12 hours.

Read the package instructions carefully and take the medicine as advised. Every manufacturer includes slightly different doses of the two active ingredients in their products. Refer to the package so that you do not take more than the recommended maximum dose in a 24-hour period. 

Note that many over-the-counter products used to treat cough and cold contain these two ingredients. If you are taking more than one cold or cough medicine, read the label of each medicine and make sure you don’t exceed the maximum daily dose from multiple products.

Use a medicine dose measuring device (cup or syringe) to measure liquid medicine carefully. Do not use a regular kitchen spoon, as this can lead to inaccurate dosing.

Do not give adult-strength dextromethorphan and guaifenesin to children below 12 years of age. Read the package label carefully on children’s products and give the correct dose according to your child’s age.

If your cough does not get better in a week or comes back, or if you have a fever, rash, or persistent headache, ask a doctor before continuing to take this medicine. You may have a more serious condition that cannot be treated with over-the-counter medications.

Missed dose: Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin is taken as needed to relieve cough. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not take more than the recommended maximum dose in a 24-hour period.

Storage: Store at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused dextromethorphan and guaifenesin should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw leftover medication in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded dextromethorphan and guaifenesin is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal

NOTEThis medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. The drug information contained here may not be up-to-date. This is an informational resource designed for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have questions about dextromethorphan and guaifenesin, talk to your doctor for medical advice.


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Discounted prices for dextromethorphan-guaifenesin
 start at $10.30.


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