Carbinoxamine/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine (By mouth)

Carbinoxamine (kar-bin-OX-a-meen), Dextromethorphan (dex-troe-meth-OR-fan), Pseudoephedrine (soo-doe-e-FED-rin)

Treats cough, runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing caused by colds, allergy, or flu.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to carbinoxamine, dextromethorphan, or pseudoephedrine, or if you have very high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, glaucoma, trouble urinating, a peptic ulcer, or during an asthma attack. Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 2 weeks. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines to treat depression (such as amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, Elavil®, Pamelor®, Sinequan®), or medicines to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid, Carbatrol®, Depakene®, Dilantin®, Tegretol®). Your doctor also needs to know if you are using medicine to lower blood pressure (such as atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), lisinopril, metoprolol, quinapril, Accupril®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Toprol®).
  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, an overactive thyroid, asthma, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate. Tell your doctor if your child has a skin problem (such as atopic dermatitis).
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness.
  • Pale skin or weakness.
  • Seeing or hearing things which are not really there.
  • Tremors or seizures.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Trouble urinating, or change in how much or how often you urinate.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Changes in vision.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Headache.
  • Heartburn (burning pain in the chest or throat).
  • Irritability, hyperactivity, or clumsiness (especially in children).
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.
  • Trouble sleeping, restlessness, or nervousness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024

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