What is Guaifenasin-Dextromethorphan ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Guaifenasin-Dextromethorphan ER overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Adult DM Maximum, Chest Congestion Relief DM, Children's Cough & Chest Congestion DM, Children's Daytime/Nighttime DM, Children's Delsym Cough + Chest Congestion DM, Children's Delsym Cough+ Day/Night, Children's Giltuss Cough & Chest Congestion, Children's Mucinex Cough, Children's Mucinex Cough & Mucus, Children's Mucus Relief Cough, Coricidin HBP, Cough & Chest Congestion, Cough Control DM, Cough Control DM Max, Delsym Combo Pack

Generic Names:

  • Dm-Guaifenesin Er

Uses:

  • Treats a dry, irritated cough caused by the flu or the common cold.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antitussive/Expectorant Combination

Forms:

  • Liquid, Liquid Filled Capsule, 12 Hour Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, 12 Hour Capsule, Lozenge, Long Acting Tablet, Capsule, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Guaifenasin-Dextromethorphan ER used for?

What form(s) does Guaifenasin-Dextromethorphan ER come in

  • Liquid

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

  • 12 Hour Tablet

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • 12 Hour Capsule

  • Lozenge

  • Long Acting Tablet

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

What are common Guaifenasin-Dextromethorphan ER doses?

  • Box 14 Tablets Extended Release 12 Hour

  • Box 28 Tablets Extended Release 12 Hour

How to take Guaifenasin-Dextromethorphan ER

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You might need to shake the medicine before you use it.

  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole, unless the directions say otherwise. Do not break, crush, or chew it, unless the directions say you can break or open it.

  • Place the lozenge in your mouth and let it melt slowly. Do not swallow the lozenge whole.

  • This medicine is supposed to help loosen phlegm and thin mucus in the lungs. Drink extra fluids, and keep the air around you moist with a humidifier or steam vaporizer.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You might need to shake the medicine before you use it.

  • This medicine is supposed to help loosen phlegm and thin mucus in the lungs. Drink extra fluids, and keep the air around you moist with a humidifier or steam vaporizer.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Place the lozenge in your mouth and let it melt slowly. Do not swallow the lozenge whole.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole, unless the directions say otherwise. Do not break, crush, or chew it, unless the directions say you can break or open it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Guaifenasin-Dextromethorphan ER

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guaifenasin-Dextromethorphan ER contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any cough or cold medicine. 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.

Guaifenasin-Dextromethorphan ER warnings

  • Some liquid cough medicines contain alcohol.

  • Call your doctor if your cough does not improve or lasts longer than 7 days.

  • Call your doctor if your cough gets worse, if you cough up yellow mucus, or if you have a fever, rash, sore throat, vomiting, or continuing headache with the cough.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Talk to your doctor if you have asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or a liver disease before you take this medicine.

Guaifenasin-Dextromethorphan ER interactions

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using sleeping pills, sedatives, other cold and allergy medicines, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, or pain pills before you use this medicine.

  • You should not use with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as Nardil®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®, or Marplan® without your doctor's approval.

  • Call your doctor if your cough does not improve or lasts longer than 7 days.

  • Call your doctor if your cough gets worse, if you cough up yellow mucus, or if you have a fever, rash, sore throat, vomiting, or continuing headache with the cough.

Guaifenasin-Dextromethorphan ER side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Rash or itching

  • Trouble breathing

  • Trouble urinating

  • Changes in the amount of urine

  • Severe drowsiness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Upset stomach

  • Constipation

  • Nervousness, restlessness

  • Drowsiness, dizziness

Subscribe to our savings newsletter

Health education, drug info, wellness & more

By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.