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codeine/guaifenesin (Robitussin AC)
Indications: expectorant & antitussive
Contraindications:
1) increased intracranial pressure
2) depressed ventilation
Dosage:
1) 5-10 mL every 4-5 hours PRN; max: 60 mL/day
2) 5 mL/dose if 6-12 yo
3) 2.5 mL/dose if 2-5 yo
Syrup: guaifenesin 100 mg & codeine phosphate 10 mg/5 mL (120 mL, 240 mL)
Adverse effects:
codeine
1) common (> 10%)
- constipation, drowsiness
2) less common (1-10%)
- rash, hives, shortness of breath, troubled breathing, histamine release, decreased urination, blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, false sense of well-being, malaise, headache, hypotension, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, restlessness, burning at site of injection, weakness, ureteral spasm, paradoxical CNS stimulation, confusion, tachycardia, bradycardia
3) uncommon (< 1%)
- convulsions, hallucinations, mental depression, muscle rigidity, paralytic ileus, trembling, biliary spasm, stomach cramps, nightmares, insomnia
guaifenesin
- not common (1-10%)
- drowsiness, headache, rash, nausea/vomiting, epigastric pain
Drug interactions:
1) CNS depressants
2) phenothiazines
3) tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)
General
Ear nose throat combination
References
- The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed.
Gilman et al, eds. Permagon Press/McGraw Hill, 1996
- Drug Information & Medication Formulary, Veterans Affairs,
Central California Health Care System, 1st ed., Ravnan et al
eds, 1998
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California Regional Drug
Formulary, 1998
Components
codeine
guaifenesin (Robitussin, Fenesin, Humibid LA, Mucinex)