Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It is used to break up congestion and mucous to ease breathing. Guaifenesin thins mucous, increases lubrication of the respiratory tract (lungs, nose, and throat), and increases the removal of mucous.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant. Phenylephrine constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries), which reduces the swelling of mucous membranes in areas such as the nose and sinuses.

Pyrilamine is an antihistamine. Pyrilamine decreases the effects of the chemical histamine in the body to reduce symptoms such as red, itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion.

Guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine is used to treat symptoms of the common cold.

Guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine can be taken with or without food. Taking the medication with food may reduce stomach upset, should it occur.

Take each tablet with a full glass of water.

Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

Drink plenty of extra fluids while taking this medication. Extra fluid will help decrease congestion.

Store guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not take guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or selegiline (Eldepryl) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Some heart medications such as methyldopa (Aldomet), reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil), and guanethidine (Ismelin) may have decreased effects. Talk to your doctor before taking guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine if you are taking a heart or blood pressure medicine.

Guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine is taken with any of these medications.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain guaifenesin, phenylephrine, pyrilamine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine.

Guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine is taken with any of these medications.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain guaifenesin, phenylephrine, pyrilamine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine overdose may include vomiting, increased blood pressure (headache, red face, blurred vision), irregular heartbeats, large pupils, and dry mouth.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Drink plenty of extra fluids while taking this medication. Extra fluid will help decrease congestion.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

Do not take guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or selegiline (Eldepryl) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• high blood pressure or heart disease;

• diabetes;

• a peripheral vascular disorder (poor circulation);

• glaucoma or increased pressure in the eyes;

• an overactive thyroid; or

• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine may pass into breast milk and affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

Your pharmacist has additional information about guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine written for health professionals that you may read.

Guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and pyrilamine is available with a prescription under the brand name Ryna 12X in tablet and suspension formulations. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.