Co-Histine Expectorant Side Effects

Generic name: codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 4, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Co-Histine Expectorant Side Effects associated with codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Co-Histine Expectorant.

Applies to codeine / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine: oral liquid.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Codeine can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

This medicine is not for use in anyone under 18.

Taking this medicine during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

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.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to codeine/guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine: oral liquid, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The more commonly expected adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: CNS depression, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, headache, convulsions, weakness

Pseudoephedrine:

• Frequency not reported: Restlessness, dizziness, weakness, headache, drowsiness, tremor^[Ref]

Codeine

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, faintness, syncope, orthostatic hypotension, circulatory depression

Pseudoephedrine:

• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, impaired circulation to the extremities, coronary artery spasm, chest pain^[Ref]

Hypotension is rare and has been reported most frequently with high doses of codeine.

Pseudoephedrine causes vasoconstriction which generally does not produce hypertension, but may be problematic for patients with preexisting hypertension. Arrhythmias may be produced in predisposed patients. Rarely, pseudoephedrine has been reported to cause coronary artery spasm and chest pain.^[Ref]

Codeine

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, biliary tract spasm, increased colonic motility, toxic dilation

Guaifenesin:

• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain (upper), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

Pseudoephedrine:

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, ischemic colitis^[Ref]

Patients with chronic ulcerative colitis may experience increased colonic motility, while patients with acute ulcerative colitis have experienced toxic dilation with codeine use.^[Ref]

Codeine

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Oliguria, urinary retention, antidiuretic effect

Pseudoephedrine:

• Frequency not reported: Urinary retention^[Ref]

Codeine

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Pruritus, giant urticaria, angioneurotic edema, laryngeal edema

Guaifenesin:

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions (pruritus, urticaria)

Pseudoephedrine:

• Frequency not reported: Fixed drug eruptions^[Ref]

Codeine

Dermatologic

Codeine:

• Frequency not reported: Rash

Guaifenesin:

• Frequency not reported: Rash

Pseudoephedrine:

• Frequency not reported: Fixed drug eruption in the form of erythematous nodular patches, rash^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Visual disturbances

Pseudoephedrine:

• Frequency not reported: Angle-closure glaucoma

Codeine

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Euphoria, dysphoria, transient hallucination, disorientation

Pseudoephedrine:

• Frequency not reported: Hallucinations (particularly in children), anxiety, excitability, insomnia

Codeine

Respiratory

Codeine:

• Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression

Respiratory depression has been associated with antitussive use of codeine in young children. Respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine in the postoperative period following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Further investigation has shown these patients to be ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine. Children with obstructive sleep apnea who are treated with codeine appear to be particularly sensitive to the respiratory depressant effects of codeine.

Further information

Co-Histine Expectorant side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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