diphenhydramine hydrochloride + guaifenesin + levomenthol at a glance
Medicine class
Sedating antihistamine–antitussive, expectorant and menthol combination
Licensed role
Relief of dry or chesty cough, associated congestion and related sleep disturbance
Form
Clear red oral syrup
Driving
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision or poor concentration; do not drive or use machinery if affected
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol because it can increase sedation and other adverse effects
What is diphenhydramine hydrochloride + guaifenesin + levomenthol used for?
This product provides symptom relief rather than treating the underlying cause.
Dry cough
Chesty cough with difficult-to-clear mucus
Congestion accompanying a cough
Sleep disturbance caused by cough and congestion
How does diphenhydramine hydrochloride + guaifenesin + levomenthol work?
Diphenhydramine suppresses coughing and has sedating, antihistamine and antimuscarinic effects. Guaifenesin thins tenacious mucus to help expectoration. Levomenthol has mild local anaesthetic and decongestant effects.
How to take diphenhydramine hydrochloride + guaifenesin + levomenthol
Take this oral syrup according to its label and leaflet, using the supplied or recommended measuring device. It may be taken with or without food. Do not combine it with another diphenhydramine-containing product or a cough suppressant.
Check cough, cold, allergy and sleep products for duplicate diphenhydramine.
Never use it to sedate a child.
Seek advice if the cough persists, worsens, returns or occurs with fever, rash or persistent headache.
diphenhydramine hydrochloride + guaifenesin + levomenthol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sleepiness or sedation
- Dizziness, headache or impaired coordination and concentration
- Dry mouth or throat and thicker bronchial secretions
- Blurred vision
- Stomach upset
- Difficulty passing urine
- Weakness
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial, lip, tongue or throat swelling or difficulty breathing
- Seizure
- Severe confusion, agitation or hallucinations
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Marked urinary retention
diphenhydramine hydrochloride + guaifenesin + levomenthol in pregnancy
Information about the complete combination is limited. It should be used only when the expected maternal benefit outweighs possible fetal risk. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use.
diphenhydramine hydrochloride + guaifenesin + levomenthol while breastfeeding
Use is recommended only when the expected benefit outweighs possible risk. The ingredients enter breast milk, and diphenhydramine may make the infant sleepy. Seek advice and watch for unusual sleepiness, irritability, poor feeding or failure to wake for feeds. Avoid sharing a bed with the infant after taking a sedating antihistamine.
diphenhydramine hydrochloride + guaifenesin + levomenthol interactions
Diphenhydramine causes most clinically important interactions in this combination.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Contraindicated during treatment and for 14 days after stopping because of serotonin syndrome risk.
Alcohol
Increases sedation and impairment; avoid alcoholic drinks.
Opioids, hypnotics, sedatives, tranquillisers and antipsychotics
May increase drowsiness and impair coordination or breathing. Check with a healthcare professional before combining them.
Common questions about diphenhydramine hydrochloride + guaifenesin + levomenthol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it make me sleepy the next day?
Yes. Sleepiness, dizziness or reduced concentration can persist. Do not drive, cycle or use machinery while affected.
Can children take it?
It is contraindicated in children younger than 12 years and must not be used to sedate a child.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.