What is Maxifed DMX (Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine)?
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
The combination of dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat stuffy nose, sinus congestion, cough, and chest congestion caused by the common cold or flu.
Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.
Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Maxifed DMX Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Maxifed DMX (Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness
- confusion, hallucinations; or
- slow, shallow breathing
Less serious side effects may include:
- dizziness or headache,
- a rash, or
- nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Maxifed DMX Interactions
What other drugs affect Maxifed DMX (Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine)?
Before taking dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
- celecoxib (Celebrex)
- cinacalcet (Sensipar)
- darifenacin (Enablex)
- imatinib (Gleevec)
- quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex)
- ranolazine (Ranexa)
- ritonavir (Norvir)
- sibutramine (Meridia)
- terbinafine (Lamisil)
- medicines to treat high blood pressure; or
- antidepressant medications such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and others
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and pseudoephedrine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Maxifed DMX (Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine)?
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of this medication.
Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor’s advice. Taking a stimulant together with cough or cold medicine can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains a decongestant, expectorant, or cough suppressant.
Maxifed DMX Dosage
How should I take Maxifed DMX (Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine)?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.
Measure the liquid form of this medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Take the medication with food if it upsets your stomach.
Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
What happens if I overdose on Maxifed DMX (Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include feeling restless or nervous.
What happens if I miss a dose of Maxifed DMX (Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com