AcahistineOral - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Acahistine images:

Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Acahistine

Uses
This combination medication is used to temporarily treat cough, chest congestion, and stuffy nose symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis). Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus. The decongestant helps relieve stuffy nose symptoms. This product also contains a narcotic cough suppressant (antitussive) that affects a certain part of the brain, reducing the urge to cough.This medication is not usually used for ongoing coughs from smoking, asthma, other long-term breathing problems (e.g., emphysema), or coughs with a lot of mucus, unless directed by your doctor.Do not use this medication in children younger than 2 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all of the doctor's dosage directions. Do not give other cough and cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (e.g., saline nose drops/spray, using a humidifier or infant nasal suction bulb).
Notes

Do not share this medication with others.
It is against the law.

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Do not freeze.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include: confusion, cold/clammy skin, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, slow/shallow breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth with or without food with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor.
This medication can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs.
Use a medication measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose.
Do not use a household spoon.
Drink plenty of fluids when you use this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time (more than a few weeks) or if it has been used in high doses.
In such cases, if you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions may occur.
Such reactions can include anxiety, restlessness, sweating, shaking chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately.
When stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit forming).
Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed.
Properly stop the medication when so directed.
This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.When used for an extended time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing.
Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.Inform your doctor if your condition persists for more than 1 week, if it worsens, or if it occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache.
These may be symptoms of a serious medical problem and should be checked by a doctor.

Side Effects

Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, upset stomach, nausea, constipation, nervousness, or trouble sleeping may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations), shaking (tremors), slow/shallow breathing, trouble urinating, weakness.Tell your doctor if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, seizure.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: abdominal problems (e.g., chronic constipation, ileus, pancreatitis), adrenal gland problem (e.g., Addison's disease), certain brain disorders (e.g., head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), diabetes, a certain eye problem (glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver disease, mental/mood problems (e.g., depression, psychosis), thyroid problems (e.g., hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism), trouble urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate), use/abuse of drugs/alcohol.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit the use of alcohol and certain other drowsiness-causing medications.
(See also Drug Interactions.) To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.This medicine may contain aspartame.
If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the safe use of this medicine.This medication may contain sugar and/or alcohol.
Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product.The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness and drowsiness.This product is not recommended for use in infants and newborns.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if clearly needed.
It is not recommended for use in high doses or for long periods during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to increased risk for serious side effects in a newborn baby (e.g., withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, diarrhea, seizures).
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you are prescribed this medication on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This product should not be used with the following medications because very serious (rarely fatal) interactions may occur: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), sibutramine.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks of starting or stopping this medication.Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., benztropine, belladonna alkaloids), beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol), cimetidine, guanethidine, certain inhaled anesthetics (e.g., halothane), methyldopa, narcotic antagonists (e.g., naltrexone, naloxone), reserpine, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine).Guaifenesin is available in both prescription and nonprescription products.
Check the labels on all your medications carefully to make sure you are not taking more than one guaifenesin-containing product.Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, trazodone).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could affect your heart rate/blood pressure or cause drowsiness.
Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.This medication may interfere with certain urine laboratory tests (e.g., 5-HIAA levels, VMA levels), possibly causing false test results.
Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.