Generic Name: carbetapentane and guaifenesin (kar BET a PEN tane, and gwye FEN e sin)
Brand Names: Allfen C, Allfen CX, Allres-G, BetaVent, Carba-XP, Certuss, exall, Expectuss, Oratuss, Pulmari-GP, Respi-Tann G, Tusso-ZMR, Tusso-ZR, Xpect-AT
What is Certuss (carbetapentane and guaifenesin)?
Carbetapentane is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen mucus congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.
The combination of carbetapentane and guaifenesin is used to treat stuffy nose, cough, and chest congestion caused by the common cold or flu.
This medication will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.
Carbetapentane and guaifenesin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Certuss (carbetapentane and guaifenesin)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to carbetapentane or guaifenesin. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have asthma or other breathing problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, urination problems, or an overactive thyroid.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
Carbetapentane and guaifenesin may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Do not take carbetapentane and guaifenesin for longer than 7 days in a row. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Certuss (carbetapentane and guaifenesin)?
Do not use a cough or cold medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to carbetapentane or guaifenesin.
To make sure you can safely take carbetapentane and guaifenesin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problems;
heart disease or high blood pressure;
glaucoma;
diabetes;
an enlarged prostate or urination problems; or
overactive thyroid.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether carbetapentane and guaifenesin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Artificially sweetened liquid cough or cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), check the medication label to see if the product contains phenylalanine.
How should I take Certuss (carbetapentane and guaifenesin)?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or 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.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Take this medication with a full glass of water. Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication. You may take carbetapentane and guaifenesin with or without food. Taking it with food or milk may decrease stomach upset.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Do not take carbetapentane and guaifenesin for longer than 7 days in a row. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.
This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you if you have taken a cough medicine within the past few days.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cough medicine within the past few days. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since cough or cold medicine is taken when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose can cause confusion, agitation, or restless feeling.
What should I avoid while taking Certuss (carbetapentane and guaifenesin)?
Carbetapentane and guaifenesin may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Drinking alcohol can increase drowsiness caused by carbetapentane and guaifenesin. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, or allergy medicine. Cough suppressants and expectorants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains a cough suppressant or expectorant.
Certuss (carbetapentane and guaifenesin) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
confusion, hallucinations, feeling restless or nervous;
tremors; or
extreme weakness.
Less serious side effects may include:
drowsiness, dizziness;
headache;
sleep problems (insomnia); or
nausea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Certuss (carbetapentane and guaifenesin)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by carbetapentane and guaifenesin.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with carbetapentane and guaifenesin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Certuss resources
- Certuss Side Effects (in more detail)
- Certuss Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Certuss Drug Interactions
- Certuss Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Certuss - Add your own review/rating
- Allfen CX Sustained-Release Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- BetaVent Liquid MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Dynex VR Sustained-Release Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Respi-Tann G Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Tusso-ZMR MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Certuss with other medications
- Cough
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about carbetapentane and guaifenesin.
See also: Certuss side effects (in more detail)
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