Mytussin DAC: Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

Generic name: Codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine

Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available

What is Mytussin DAC?

Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat cough, stuffy nose, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

This medicine will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to codeine, guaifenesin, or pseudoephedrine.

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

In some people, codeine breaks down rapidly in the liver and reaches higher than normal levels in the body. This can cause dangerously slow breathing and may cause death, especially in a child.

Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorders;
  • a cough with mucus;
  • heart disease, high blood pressure;
  • a stroke, or a blood vessel disorder;
  • drug or alcohol addiction;
  • glaucoma;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
  • a head injury, brain tumor, or seizure;
  • diabetes;
  • Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);
  • a thyroid disorder; or
  • enlarged prostate and urination problems.

If you use codeine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breast-feed. Codeine can pass into breast milk and may cause drowsiness, breathing problems, or death in a nursing baby.

How should I use Mytussin DAC

Use Mytussin DAC (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Codeine can slow or stop your breathing. Never use codeine, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Codeine may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Selling or giving away codeine is against the law.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.

Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Call 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.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken a cough or cold medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of your medicine. Codeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Mytussin DAC (Oral)?

Since this 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.

Mytussin DAC side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Like other narcotic medications, codeine can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing;
  • severe drowsiness, hallucinations;
  • fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
  • a seizure;
  • nervousness, tremors; or
  • little or no urination.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who are overweight, malnourished, or debilitated.

Common side effects may include:

  • dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
  • headache;
  • nausea, constipation;
  • sleep problems (insomnia); or
  • feeling nervous, anxious, or restless.

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 Mytussin DAC?

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking medicine that contains codeine. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, or cough medicine. Many combination medicines contain decongestants or cough suppressants. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug.

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