Entex

What is Entex

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It is used to break up congestion and mucous. Guaifenesin thins mucous, increases lubrication of the respiratory tract (lungs, nose, and throat), and increases the removal of mucous.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries), which reduces the swelling of mucous membranes in areas such as the nose and sinuses.

Entex is used to treat the symptoms of the common cold and other respiratory infections.

Entex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Entex

Drink plenty of extra fluid while taking this medication.

Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where they are scored to make them easier to swallow if necessary.

What you should find out before taking Entex

Do not take Entex if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A serious drug interaction could occur, leading to dangerous side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- high blood pressure or another type of heart disease;
- diabetes;
- a peripheral vascular disorder (poor circulation to the hands and feet);
- glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye(s);
- an overactive thyroid; or
- difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take Entex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Entex is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Entex will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Entex. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Entex has not been approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age.

How should take Entex

Take Entex exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Increasing fluid intake during the day may help relieve congestion.

Take Entex with food if it causes stomach upset.

Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where they are scored to make them easier to swallow if necessary.

Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of guaifenesin and phenylephrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Store Entex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Entex overdose include vomiting, high blood pressure (headache, redness of face, blurred vision), an irregular heartbeat, and numbness of the fingers or toes.

Avoid while taking Entex

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Entex may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Possible side effects of Entex

No serious side effects are expected from treatment with Entex. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Entex and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness or headache;
- nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia;
- nausea or stomach upset; or
- difficulty urinating.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Entex

Heart medications such as methyldopa (Aldomet), reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil), and guanethidine (Ismelin) may have decreased effects. Talk to your doctor before taking Entex if you are taking any of these medications.

Other prescription or over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, allergies, or weight loss may contain phenylephrine or a similar medication. Do not take other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Entex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.