Ambifed CD

Pronunciation: KOE-deen/gwye-FEN-e-sin/SOO-doe-e-FED-rin
Generic Name: Codeine/Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine
Brand Name: Examples include Ambifed CD and Maxifed-G CDX

Ambifed CD is used for:

Relieving congestion and cough due to colds, flu, or hay fever. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ambifed CD is a decongestant, cough suppressant, and expectorant combination. The decongestant works by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nasal passages. The cough suppressant works in the brain to help decrease the cough reflex to reduce a dry cough. The expectorant loosens mucus and lung secretions in the chest and makes coughs more productive.

Do NOT use Ambifed CD if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ambifed CD or any other codeine- or morphine-related medicine (eg, oxycodone)


• you have severe high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, or other severe heart problems (eg, heart blood vessel disease)


• you are having an asthma attack


• you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB) or if you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Ambifed CD:

Some medical conditions may interact with Ambifed CD. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness) to morphine, codeine, or any other opiate (eg, dihydrocodeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone)


• if you have a history of glaucoma; an enlarged prostate gland or other prostate problems; heart problems; diabetes; high blood pressure; blood vessel problems; stroke; liver or kidney problems; blockage of the stomach, bowel, or bladder; adrenal gland problems; or thyroid problems


• if you have a history of constipation, stomach problems (eg, ulcers), bowel problems (eg, chronic inflammation or ulceration of the bowel), or gallbladder problems (eg, gallstones), or if you have had recent stomach, bowel, or urinary surgery


• if you have breathing or lung problems (eg, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or if cough occurs with large amounts of mucus


• if you have a fever, severe drowsiness, recent head or brain injury, brain tumor, increased pressure in the brain, infection of the brain or nervous system, or a seizure disorder (eg, epilepsy)


• if you have very poor health or a history of alcohol abuse, other substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts or actions


• if you are taking medicine for high blood pressure or depression

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ambifed CD. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Digoxin or droxidopa because the risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack may be increased


• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, tolcapone), cimetidine, furazolidone, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), indomethacin, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine ), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may increase the risk of Ambifed CD's side effects


• Naltrexone, quinidine, or rifamycins (eg, rifampin) because they may decrease Ambifed CD's effectiveness


• Bromocriptine or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Ambifed CD


• Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Ambifed CD

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ambifed CD may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Ambifed CD:

Use Ambifed CD as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Ambifed CD by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.


• Drink plenty of water while taking Ambifed CD.


• If you miss a dose of Ambifed CD, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ambifed CD.

Important safety information:

• Ambifed CD may cause dizziness or drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ambifed CD with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Ambifed CD; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.


• Ambifed CD may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.


• Do not take diet or appetite control medicines while you are taking Ambifed CD without checking with your doctor.


• Ambifed CD has pseudoephedrine in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has pseudoephedrine in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.


• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.


• If your symptoms do not get better within 5 days, if they get worse, or if they go away and then come back, check with your doctor.


• If your symptoms occur along with fever, rash, or persistent headache, contact your doctor.


• Do not use Ambifed CD for a cough with a lot of mucus. Do not use it for a long-term cough (eg, caused by asthma, emphysema, smoking). However, you may use it for these conditions if your doctor tells you to.


• Ambifed CD may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Ambifed CD. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.


• Ambifed CD may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Ambifed CD.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Ambifed CD before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Use Ambifed CD with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitability, low blood pressure, and trouble urinating.


• Caution is advised when using Ambifed CD in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially excitability.


• Ambifed CD should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ambifed CD while you are pregnant. Ambifed CD is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ambifed CD.

Possible side effects of Ambifed CD:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; excitability; headache; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; confusion; difficulty urinating; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; persistent trouble sleeping; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; shallow breathing; tremor; uncontrolled muscle movement.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Ambifed CD side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; confusion; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; shallow or rapid breathing; unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; vomiting.

Proper storage of Ambifed CD:

Store Ambifed CD at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ambifed CD out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Ambifed CD, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Ambifed CD is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Ambifed CD. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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