Narcotic-Antitussive/Decongestant/Expectorant

Indications for Use

Treats cough and stuffy nose caused by throat irritation or the common cold, and loosens mucus in the throat. This medicine is a combination that contains a narcotic cough suppressant.

Brand Name(s)

Mytussin DAC

Levall 5.0

Cheratussin DAC

Biotussin DAC

Phenhist Expectorant

Phenylhistine Expectorant

Sudatuss-2

Sudatuss-SF

Dihistine Expectorant

Novadyne Expectorant

Phenylhistine

Tussin DAC

Nalex Expectorant

Decotuss-HD

Hydro-Tussin HD

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When You Should Not Take the Medication

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any cold or cough medicine, codeine, hydrocodone, or any narcotic pain medicine such as Darvocet®, Percocet®, Demerol®, Roxicodone®.

How to Use this Medicine

Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid constipation.

If a Dose is Missed

If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of this Medicine

Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze it.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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 away from children and 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 also using diet pills, medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, imipramine, Norpramin®, Vivactil®), narcotic medicine (such as naltrexone, Nubain®, Stadol®, Revia®), or an MAO Inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®).

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives). 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 Addison's disease, asthma or other breathing problems, diabetes, gallbladder disease, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, problems with urination, stomach or intestinal problems, thyroid disorder, or if you will be having any surgery. Tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke, seizures, head injury, mental illness, alcohol abuse, or drug abuse.

This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions. Symptoms of an overdose include: Extreme dizziness or weakness, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, seizures, and cold, clammy skin.

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.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for a few days. Call your doctor if you also have a high fever or sore throat.

This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

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, and trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Severe confusion or weakness, ongoing headache, or shallow breathing

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

Blurred vision
Feelings of extreme happiness or sadness, or trouble sleeping
Mild skin rash or itching
Muscle weakness
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or dry mouth

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