Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine, and Dextromethorphan



Ambifed-G DM; Dimetapp® Cold and Congestion [OTC]; Maxifed® DM; PanMist®-DM [DSC]; Profen Forte™ DM; Profen II DM®; Pseudovent™ DM; Relacon-DM; Robitussin® CF [OTC]; Robitussin® Cold and Congestion [OTC]; Robitussin® Cough and Cold Infant [OTC]; Touro™ CC; Tri-Vent™ DM; Z-Cof DM







Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine, and Dextromethorphan

(gwye FEN e sin, soo doe e FED rin, & deks troe meth OR fan)

U.S. Brand Names
Ambifed-G DM; Dimetapp® Cold and Congestion [OTC]; Maxifed® DM; PanMist®-DM [DSC]; Profen Forte™ DM; Profen II DM®; Pseudovent™ DM; Relacon-DM; Robitussin® CF [OTC]; Robitussin® Cold and Congestion [OTC]; Robitussin® Cough and Cold Infant [OTC]; Touro™ CC; Tri-Vent™ DM; Z-Cof DM
Canadian Brand Names
Balminil DM + Decongestant + Expectorant; Benylin® DM-D-E; Koffex DM + Decongestant + Expectorant; Novahistex® DM Decongestant Expectorant; Novahistine® DM Decongestant Expectorant; Robitussin® Cough & Cold®
Pharmacologic Category
Antitussive/Decongestant/Expectorant
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to guaifenesin, pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, or any other part of this medicine.
  • 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, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to make a cough productive.
  • This medicine is used to stop coughing.
  • This medicine is used to treat nasal congestion.
How does it work?
  • Guaifenesin thins fluids in the lungs.
  • Pseudoephedrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages.
  • Dextromethorphan affects the cough center in the brain.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
  • A liquid (drops, solution, syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • This medicine is not for coughs due to smoking or lung disease.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Nervous and excitable.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Inability to sleep.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.
  • Severe headache.
  • Persistent cough.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect caplets, capsules, and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • 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, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: