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Drug Profile

Do NOT stop taking this or any drug without the advice of your physician. Some drugs can cause severe adverse effects when they are stopped suddenly.

Do Not Use [what does this mean?]
Generic drug name: guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine (gwye FEN e sin and soo doe e FEH drin)
Brand name(s): GUIFENEX PSE, MUCINEX D, ROBITUSSIN PE SYRUP
GENERIC: not available FAMILY: Combination antihistamine, decongestants and/or cough preparations
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Alternative Treatment [top]

See individual drug families.

Facts About This Drug [top]

The adverse risk and regulatory actions associated with the use of pseudoephedrine-containing products are discussed in the drug monograph for pseudoephedrine (SUDAFED).

This over-the-counter combination of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine (GUIFENEX PSE, ROBITUSSIN PE SYRUP) should not be used because it is an irrational combination of single ingredients, which may be safe and effective when used alone if treating the symptom for which they are intended. The combination, however, presents...

The adverse risk and regulatory actions associated with the use of pseudoephedrine-containing products are discussed in the drug monograph for pseudoephedrine (SUDAFED).

This over-the-counter combination of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine (GUIFENEX PSE, ROBITUSSIN PE SYRUP) should not be used because it is an irrational combination of single ingredients, which may be safe and effective when used alone if treating the symptom for which they are intended. The combination, however, presents extra risks from extra ingredients that usually do not add any benefit to the first ingredient and will invariably cost much more than the single ingredient alone. It represents a “shotgun” approach to multiple symptoms of colds, coughs and allergies that rarely occur in force in the combination that is suggested by the ingredients in this product.

Alternative treatments include nose sprays or drops for a stuffed nose from a cold (see AFRIN) and a single-ingredient oral antihistamine for allergies (see chlorpheniramine). Coughs associated with upper respiratory infections are best not treated with drugs.

We oppose this combination because of the lack of effectiveness of guaifenesin and our opposition to the large systemic doses of pseudoephedrine as a decongestant.

last reviewed August 31, 2023

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