Efasin

 
Generic Name: guaifenesin and phenylephrine

Brands: Amidal, Deconsal Pediatric, Endal, Entex, Entex LA, Guaifed, Guaifed PD, Liquibid-D, Rescon-GG, Sinupan, SINUvent PE

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What is the most important information I should know about Efasin?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Efasin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

· Drink plenty of extra fluid while taking this medication.

· Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where they are scored to make them easier to swallow if necessary.

· Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking Efasin without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain guaifenesin, phenylephrine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

 

What is Efasin?

· Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It is used to break up congestion and mucous. Guaifenesin thins mucous, increases lubrication of the respiratory tract (lungs, nose, and throat), and increases the removal of mucous.

· Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries), which reduces the swelling of mucous membranes in areas such as the nose and sinuses.

· Efasin is used to treat the symptoms of the common cold and other respiratory infections.

· Efasin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Efasin?

· Do not take Efasin if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·high blood pressure or heart disease;     ·diabetes;     ·a peripheral vascular disorder (poor circulation to the hands and feet);     ·glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye(s);     ·an overactive thyroid; or     ·difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

· You may not be able to take Efasin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Efasin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Efasin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. .

· This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Efasin. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

 

How should I take Efasin?

· Take Efasin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water. Increasing fluid intake during the day may help relieve congestion.

· Take Efasin with food if it causes stomach upset.

· Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where they are scored to make them easier to swallow if necessary.

· Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of Efasin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Store Efasin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Efasin overdose include vomiting, high blood pressure (headache, redness of face, blurred vision), an irregular heartbeat, and numbness of the fingers or toes.

 

What should I avoid while taking Efasin?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Efasin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

· Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking Efasin without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain guaifenesin, phenylephrine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

 

What are the possible side effects of Efasin?

· No serious side effects are expected from treatment with Efasin. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Efasin and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·dizziness or headache;     ·nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia;     ·nausea or stomach upset; or     ·difficulty urinating.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Efasin?

· Do not take Efasin if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

· Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking Efasin without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain guaifenesin, phenylephrine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Efasin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Efasin written for health professionals that you may read.

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