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Guaifenesin/Codeine Coupon - Guaifenesin/Codeine 100mg/10mg/5ml ml of oral solution

codeine / guaifenesin

Generic Cheratussin AC
Used for Cough

Codeine/guaifenesin is a cough syrup that contains an expectorant and an opioid. It's used to help loosen mucus and calm coughs in adults and older children. Codeine/guaifenesin is taken by mouth, typically every 4 hours as needed. But it's meant for short-term use only because it contains codeine, which is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming. Some side effects of codeine/guaifenesin include sleepiness and nausea. Brand name Cheratussin AC has been discontinued.

Reviewed by:
reviewerAllison Gourley, PharmD
reviewerKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 11, 2023
basics-icon

What is Codeine/guaifenesin?

What is Codeine/guaifenesin used for?

  • Temporarily easily cough from throat or lung irritations
  • Loosens mucus so that its easier to cough up

How Codeine/guaifenesin works

Codeine/guaifenesin is a combination of two medications:

  • Guaifenesin is an expectorant that thins and loosens the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough it up.
  • Codeine is an opioid medication that works in the brain to lessen your urge to cough.
When does Codeine/guaifenesin start working?Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
Initial effect
HOURS
Full effect
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS

Drug facts

Common BrandsGuaifenesin AC, Guaiatussin AC, Virtussin AC
Drug ClassOpioid / Expectorant
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule V
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
warnings-icon

Risks and warnings for Codeine/guaifenesin

Codeine/guaifenesin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Potential for addiction and misuse

  • Risk factors: Personal or family history of alcohol or substance use disorder | Personal or family history of mental health problems

Codeine/guaifenesin is a controlled substance because it contains codeine, which has a risk for addiction and misuse. Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Taking more than the prescribed amount of codeine/guaifenesin raises the risk for serious and possibly life-threatening side effects, such as dangerously slow breathing, inability to stay awake, and opioid overdose. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the lowest amount of codeine/guaifenesin that's necessary to manage your pain for the shortest period of time possible. If you've been taking medication for 7 days and don't feel any better, contact your provider to discuss alternatives.

Short-term use only

Codeine/guaifenesin is for short-term treatment of cough only. Taking it longer than recommended can raise the risk for dependence and addiction, as well as the risk for side effects, like breathing problems. Codeine/guaifenesin isn't meant to ease cough from chronic (long-term) conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. It's also not meant to help with cough from smoking. If you have any of these conditions, speak to your provider because they'll likely make other recommendations.

Also, you should stop taking Codeine/guaifenesin and talk to your provider if your cough lasts longer than 7 days, if it stops and returns, or if you develop other symptoms such as a fever, rash, or headache that doesn't go away. These can be signs of a more serious condition that needs more medical attention.

Not for children under 12 years old

The FDA issued a warning against children ages 12 years and under taking codeine medications for cough. This is because codeine medications can raise the risk of serious side effects, including life-threatening breathing problems, especially in children. If your child needs a cough medication, speak to your child's provider or your pharmacist to learn about safer alternatives.

Dangerous interactions

  • Risk factors: People taking other medications that cause sleepiness or slow down breathing | Drinking alcohol while taking codeine/guaifenesin

Taking codeine/guaifenesin with benzodiazepines, opioids, sleeping medications, or alcohol can cause you to be extremely sleepy or have trouble breathing. This can be life-threatening and even lead to death. Don't drink alcohol while taking codeine/guaifenesin. If you regularly take other medications that cause drowsiness or affect breathing, discuss alternatives with your provider. There are safer options for treating a cough.

side-effects-icon

Side effects of Codeine/guaifenesin

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Less Common Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting

Codeine/guaifenesin serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Allergic reactions: trouble breathing, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Dangerously slow breathing: trouble breathing; bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes
  • Accidentally taking too much (overdose): not responding to sound or touch, slowed breathing, extreme sleepiness, slow heartbeat, cold or clammy skin
When do Codeine/guaifenesin possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Trouble breathing
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.

Source: DailyMed

The following Codeine/guaifenesin side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Although serious side effects occur rarely when this medicine is taken as recommended, they may be more likely to occur if: too much medicine is taken, it is taken in large doses, or it is taken for a long period of time.

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

For narcotic antitussive (codeine, dihydrocodeine, hydrocodone, or hydromorphone)-containing

Cold, clammy skin

confusion (severe)

convulsions (seizures)

drowsiness or dizziness (severe)

nervousness or restlessness (severe)

pinpoint pupils of eyes

slow heartbeat

slow or troubled breathing

If you are a nursing mother and you notice any of the following symptoms of overdose in your baby, get emergency help immediately:

Difficulty breathing

difficulty nursing

increased sleepiness (more than usual)

limpness

For acetaminophen-containing

Diarrhea

increased sweating

loss of appetite

nausea or vomiting

stomach cramps or pain

swelling or tenderness in the upper abdomen or stomach area

For salicylate-containing

Any loss of hearing

bloody urine

confusion

convulsions (seizures)

dizziness or lightheadedness

drowsiness (severe)

excitement or nervousness (severe)

fast or deep breathing

fever

hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

increased sweating

nausea or vomiting (severe or continuing)

shortness of breath or troubled breathing (for salicylamide only)

stomach pain (severe or continuing)

uncontrollable flapping movements of the hands, especially in elderly patients

unusual thirst

vision problems

For decongestant-containing

Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

headache (continuing and severe)

nausea or vomiting (severe)

nervousness or restlessness (severe)

shortness of breath or troubled breathing (severe or continuing)

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

For all combinations

Skin rash, hives, and/or itching

For antihistamine- or anticholinergic-containing

Clumsiness or unsteadiness

convulsions (seizures

drowsiness (severe)

dryness of mouth, nose, or throat (severe)

flushing or redness of face

hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

restlessness (severe)

shortness of breath or troubled breathing

slow or fast heartbeat

For iodine-containing

Headache (continuing)

increased watering of mouth

loss of appetite

metallic taste

skin rash, hives, or redness

sore throat

swelling of face, lips, or eyelids

For acetaminophen-containing

Unexplained sore throat and fever

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Constipation

decreased sweating

difficult or painful urination

dizziness or lightheadedness

drowsiness

dryness of mouth, nose, or throat

false sense of well-being

increased sensitivity of skin to sun

nausea or vomiting

nightmares

stomach pain

thickening of mucus

trouble in sleeping

unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability

unusual tiredness or weakness

Not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for each of these medicines, but they have been reported for at least one of them. There are some similarities among these combination medicines, so many of the above side effects may occur with any of these medicines.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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pros-and-cons-icon

Pros and cons of Codeine/guaifenesin

Pros

  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Helps you cough less often
  • A possible option for people who can't swallow pills

Cons

pharmacist-tips-icon

Pharmacist tips for Codeine/guaifenesin

pharmacist
  • Since codeine/guaifenesin works within an hour, you only have to take it as needed when you are having symptoms. Most people continue to feel effects for about 4 to 6 hours after taking this medication.
  • Some people will experience nausea after taking a dose. If this happens to you, try to take your dose after eating.
  • Be sure to use a medication dose cup, spoon, or syringe to measure out your dose. Using household teaspoons might cause you to take the wrong amount of codeine/guaifenesin.
  • Codeine/guaifenesin causes dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid activities that require you to be alert (like driving) until you know how it affects you. These side effects are more intense if you're over 65 years old.
  • Drinking alcohol while taking codeine/guaifenesin raises your risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Sometimes, this combination can even be life-threatening, so it's best to wait until you no are no longer taking codeine/guaifenesin to have a drink.
  • Codeine/guaifenesin can be habit-forming and is only meant to be used for a short period of time. Long-term use of codeine/guaifenesin can cause dependence. Take it exactly as your provider prescribes. If your symptoms don't get better after taking this medication for 7 days, contact your provider.
faq-icon

Common questions about Codeine/guaifenesin

If you have a fever or body pain along with your cough symptoms, you can take ibuprofen (Advil) along with codeine/guaifenesin as long as your provider says it's safe. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and this class of medications might not be safe for those with kidney problems, stomach issues, or heart conditions.

Your provider might recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) for you if you've a fever or body pain along with your cough symptoms. Look at the packaging of your acetaminophen (Tylenol) product for instructions on dosing. Keep in mind that the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) is lower for people who have liver problems. Also, double check to make sure your acetaminophen (Tylenol) product doesn't already contain guaifenesin, which is commonly found in over-the-counter cold and flu medications.

Yes. Codeine/guaifenesin is a schedule V controlled substance, which means it has the potential for addiction and misuse. This is the same for all cough medicines with codeine.

Yes, you need a prescription for codeine/guaifenesin in most states. Codeine/guaifenesin is considered a controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), but laws regarding controlled substances can differ from state to state. A prescription is required to purchase this medication in almost every state, but some states (e.g., Florida) allows adults 18 years and older to buy codeine/guaifenesin at the pharmacy counter without a prescription, though a photo ID is needed. Check with your pharmacist if you're not sure about the laws in your state.

Yes, drowsiness is one of the more common side effects of opioid-containing medications, including codeine/guaifenesin. Avoid driving or doing any activity the needs a lot of focus and attention while taking this medication until you know how it makes you feel. If codeine/guaifenesin is making it difficult for you to get through the day, your provider might only recommend it for nighttime cough. Ask them about non-drowsy cough medication options that are more appropriate for daytime.

No, codeine/guaifenesin is meant for short-term cough relief only. Taking Codeine/guaifenesin long-term can raise the risk of it becoming habit-forming. If you don't feel any better after using this medication for 7 days, contact your provider. You might need more medical attention for your cough.

Let your provider know if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. Codeine/guaifenesin isn't typically recommended during pregnancy because this medication can pass from mother to child and raise the risk for opioid dependence in an unborn baby. Speak with your provider about safer medication options or home remedies for treating a cough while you're pregnant.

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dosage-icon

Codeine/guaifenesin dosage

The average cost for 118 ml of 100mg/10mg/5ml of Codeine/guaifenesin is $6.25 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 65.08% off the average retail price of $17.90.
ml of oral solutionMl of oral solution
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
100mg/10mg/5ml118 ml$6.25$0.05

Typical dosage for Codeine/guaifenesin

Each 5 mL contains 10 mg of codeine and 100 mg of guaifenesin.

  • Adults and children ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) by mouth every 4 hours as needed for cough symptoms. Don't take more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
  • Children younger than 12 years old: Talk with your child's provider. The FDA currently warns against giving codeine medications for cough to children under 12 years old.
interactions-icon

Interactions between Codeine/guaifenesin and other drugs

Codeine/guaifenesin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Codeine/guaifenesin. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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How much does Codeine/guaifenesin cost?

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contraindications-icon

Codeine/guaifenesin contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Codeine/guaifenesin will not be safe for you to take.

  • Children younger than 12 years old
  • Severely slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
  • Severe asthma
  • Conditions that cause blockage of the stomach passageway
  • Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medication at the same time or having taken one within the last 2 weeks
  • Allergy to codeine or other opioids
alternatives-icon

What are alternatives to Codeine/guaifenesin?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Codeine/guaifenesin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Codeine/guaifenesin
Used for:
  • Temporarily easily cough from throat or lung irritations
  • Loosens mucus so that its easier to cough up
$6.25Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Cough in people ages 10 years and older
$11.36Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Short-term relief of coughs caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)
  • Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)
$3.36Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
images-icon

Codeine/guaifenesin images

red - Codeine Phosphate/Guaifenesin 10mg-100mg/5ml Solution
This medicine is Red Oral Solution.red - Codeine Phosphate/Guaifenesin 10mg-100mg/5ml Solution
red - Guaifenesin AC 10mg-100mg/5ml Syrup
This medicine is Red Oral Solution.red - Guaifenesin AC 10mg-100mg/5ml Syrup
This medicine is Colorless Oral Solution.
This medicine is Colorless Oral Solution.

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References

Best studies we found

Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). NSAIDs and the risk of heart problems and stroke. 

Croughan-Minihane, M. S., et al. (1992). Clinical trial examining effectiveness of three cough syrups. The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice.

Method Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2023). Codeine-guaifenesin- codeine phosphate and guaifenesin solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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