Codeine-Guaifenesin

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Apr 10, 2023

Drug Details


Generic Name:

Codeine-guaifenesin

Common Brands:

Cheracol with Codeine, Cheratussin AC, Codar GF, Dex-Tuss, Guaiatussin AC, Iophen C NR, and RelCof-C (Robitussin AC has been discontinued)

Availability:

Prescription only

Therapeutic Class:

Narcotic cough suppressant (codeine) and expectorant (guaifenesin)

Forms:

Oral solution, liquid, tablet, capsule

Administration:

By mouth

Therapeutic Uses:

Cough with mucus and chest congestion

Controlled Status:

Schedule V controlled substance because codeine is a narcotic medicine


Codeine-Guaifenesin Drug Class

Codeine is a narcotic pain medicine and antitussive. Guaifenesin is an expectorant.

Codeine-Guaifenesin Age Range

Codeine-guaifenesin is approved for use in adults. Medications containing codeine are contraindicated and should not be used in children 12 years of age and younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommends against the use of codeine in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years who are obese or have conditions such as severe lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders, which can increase the risk of dangerously slow breathing.