Robitussin Ac

Robitussin Ac (guaifenesin and codeine) is a combination of an expectorant and a narcotic used to treat cough and to reduce chest congestion caused by upper respiratory infections or the common cold. Robitussin Ac is available in generic form. Common side effects of Robitussin Ac include:

• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• lightheadedness,
• headache,
• facial flushing,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• constipation,
• skin rash,
• itching, or
• warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin.

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Robitussin Ac including:

• mental/mood changes (e.g., hallucinations),
• fast or irregular heartbeat, or
• trouble urinating.

Get medical help right away if you have a very serious side effect of Robitussin Ac such as seizure.

Take Robitussin Ac by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed with a full glass of water or as directed by your doctor. Robitussin Ac may interact with cimetidine, quinidine, naloxone, naltrexone, or other medicines that make you sleepy (such as allergy medicine, narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and seizure medicine, depression, or anxiety). Tell your doctor all medications you use. During pregnancy, Robitussin Ac should be used only if prescribed. It is not recommended 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 the doctor if you notice symptoms in your newborn. This medication passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. The codeine in this medication may be habit-forming, and you may have withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it.

Our Robitussin Ac (guaifenesin and codeine) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

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 using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing;
• a slow heart rate or weak pulse;
• severe dizziness or drowsiness;
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• little or no urinating;
• severe constipation; or
• slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who are overweight, malnourished, or debilitated.

Common side effects may include:

• constipation; or
• mild drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the entire detailed patient monograph for Robitussin Ac (Guaifenesin and Codeine)