DEXTROMETHORPHAN HBR, GUAIFENESIN

65/100 · Elevated

Manufactured by CVS Pharmacy

Moderate Safety Concerns with Dextromethorphan HBR, Guaifenesin

2,122 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About DEXTROMETHORPHAN HBR, GUAIFENESIN

DEXTROMETHORPHAN HBR, GUAIFENESIN is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by CVS Pharmacy. Based on analysis of 2,122 FDA adverse event reports, DEXTROMETHORPHAN HBR, GUAIFENESIN has a safety score of 65 out of 100. This moderate score indicates a notable volume of adverse event reports that patients and providers should be aware of. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for DEXTROMETHORPHAN HBR, GUAIFENESIN include DYSPNOEA, COUGH, DIARRHOEA, FATIGUE, NAUSEA. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for DEXTROMETHORPHAN HBR, GUAIFENESIN.

AI Safety Analysis

Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin has a safety concern score of 65 out of 100, placing it in the elevated concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 2,122 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Cvs Pharmacy.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Dyspnoea, Cough, Diarrhoea. Of classified reports, 62.1% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Dyspnea and pneumonia are among the most serious adverse reactions reported.

Fatigue, nausea, and cough are common, but not necessarily serious, side effects. The drug has been reported to be ineffective in some cases, indicating potential issues with efficacy. There is a notable number of serious reactions, particularly respiratory issues and falls. The diversity of reactions suggests a complex safety profile.

Patients taking Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Interactions with other respiratory medications and potential for respiratory depression are warnings to consider. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 65/100

Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin received a safety concern score of 65/100 (elevated concern). This is based on a 62.1% serious event ratio across 939 classified reports. The score accounts for 2,122 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This elevated score indicates a notable proportion of serious adverse events and warrants careful monitoring.

Top Adverse Reactions

DYSPNOEA73 reports
COUGH68 reports
DIARRHOEA65 reports
FATIGUE65 reports
NAUSEA63 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE59 reports
PNEUMONIA58 reports
HEADACHE51 reports
FALL46 reports
ASTHENIA43 reports
PAIN43 reports
COVID 1934 reports
DEATH34 reports
DIZZINESS33 reports
VOMITING33 reports
MALAISE31 reports
OFF LABEL USE30 reports
PYREXIA30 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED30 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY29 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE29 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL28 reports
ANXIETY27 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED27 reports
INSOMNIA26 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS26 reports
SINUSITIS25 reports
BACK PAIN24 reports
ARTHRALGIA23 reports
RASH23 reports
PRURITUS22 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION22 reports
DEPRESSION21 reports
HYPERTENSION21 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER20 reports
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE19 reports
CONSTIPATION19 reports
ASTHMA18 reports
SOMNOLENCE17 reports
TREMOR17 reports
URTICARIA17 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED16 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS16 reports
RENAL FAILURE16 reports
UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION16 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY15 reports
BRONCHITIS15 reports
CHEST PAIN15 reports
DISEASE RECURRENCE15 reports
HALLUCINATION15 reports
HYPERHIDROSIS15 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY15 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING15 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION15 reports
CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT14 reports
DEHYDRATION14 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY14 reports
DYSPHAGIA14 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE14 reports
INCORRECT DOSE ADMINISTERED14 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT14 reports
OROPHARYNGEAL PAIN14 reports
PRODUCTIVE COUGH14 reports
DYSPEPSIA13 reports
DYSPHONIA13 reports
ILLNESS13 reports
INFECTION13 reports
INJECTION SITE PAIN13 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED13 reports
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION12 reports
CHILLS12 reports
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE12 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE12 reports
CONTUSION12 reports
DRY MOUTH12 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA12 reports
INFLUENZA12 reports
LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS12 reports
PARAESTHESIA12 reports
THROAT IRRITATION12 reports
CHEST DISCOMFORT11 reports
HEART RATE INCREASED11 reports
HOSPITALISATION11 reports
HYPOTENSION11 reports
MYALGIA11 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN10 reports
ANAEMIA10 reports
ARTHRITIS10 reports
JOINT SWELLING10 reports
LUNG DISORDER10 reports
NEUROPATHY PERIPHERAL10 reports
PALPITATIONS10 reports
VISION BLURRED10 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT9 reports
CARDIAC DISORDER9 reports
CATARACT9 reports
CELLULITIS9 reports
CHOKING9 reports
CHROMATURIA9 reports
EMOTIONAL DISTRESS9 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Respiratory issues like dyspnea and pneumonia are frequent and serious.
  • Falls and dizziness are common, indicating potential risks for older adults.
  • Drug ineffectiveness and product dose omission issues highlight concerns with dosing and efficacy.
  • A wide range of reactions, including neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, suggests a complex safety profile.
  • Serious reactions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular issues, are a significant concern.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 532, Male: 336, Unknown: 2. The most frequently reported age groups are age 71 (27 reports), age 72 (24 reports), age 66 (20 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 939 classified reports for DEXTROMETHORPHAN HBR, GUAIFENESIN:

  • Serious: 583 reports (62.1%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 356 reports (37.9%)
Serious 62.1%Non-Serious 37.9%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female532 (61.1%)
Male336 (38.6%)
Unknown2 (0.2%)

Reports by Age

Age 7127 reports
Age 7224 reports
Age 6620 reports
Age 7519 reports
Age 6316 reports
Age 6816 reports
Age 7016 reports
Age 7316 reports
Age 6215 reports
Age 6915 reports
Age 7615 reports
Age 6414 reports
Age 6514 reports
Age 7413 reports
Age 7913 reports
Age 8512 reports
Age 5211 reports
Age 5811 reports
Age 6711 reports
Age 5410 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Interactions with other respiratory medications and potential for respiratory depression are warnings to consider.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include dyspnoea, cough, diarrhoea, fatigue, nausea. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Follow prescribed dosing instructions carefully to avoid adverse reactions. Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing respiratory conditions or other medications you are taking. Monitor for signs of respiratory distress or other serious reactions and seek medical attention if they occur. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor this drug for safety concerns, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin?

The FDA has received approximately 2,122 adverse event reports associated with Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin include Dyspnoea, Cough, Diarrhoea, Fatigue, Nausea. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Dyspnoea (73 reports), Cough (68 reports), Diarrhoea (65 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin.

What percentage of Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 939 classified reports, 583 (62.1%) were classified as serious and 356 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 532, Male: 336, Unknown: 2. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin?

The most frequently reported age groups for Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin adverse events are: age 71: 27 reports, age 72: 24 reports, age 66: 20 reports, age 75: 19 reports, age 63: 16 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin?

The primary manufacturer associated with Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin adverse event reports is Cvs Pharmacy. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin include: Drug Ineffective, Pneumonia, Headache, Fall, Asthenia. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin?

You can report adverse events from Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin's safety score and what does it mean?

Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin has a safety concern score of 65 out of 100 (elevated concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Dyspnea and pneumonia are among the most serious adverse reactions reported.

What are the key safety signals for Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin?

Key safety signals identified in Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin's adverse event data include: Respiratory issues like dyspnea and pneumonia are frequent and serious.. Falls and dizziness are common, indicating potential risks for older adults.. Drug ineffectiveness and product dose omission issues highlight concerns with dosing and efficacy.. A wide range of reactions, including neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, suggests a complex safety profile.. Serious reactions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular issues, are a significant concern.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin interact with other drugs?

Interactions with other respiratory medications and potential for respiratory depression are warnings to consider. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin.

What should patients know before taking Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin?

Follow prescribed dosing instructions carefully to avoid adverse reactions. Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing respiratory conditions or other medications you are taking. Monitor for signs of respiratory distress or other serious reactions and seek medical attention if they occur.

Are Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin side effects well-documented?

Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin has 2,122 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. Fatigue, nausea, and cough are common, but not necessarily serious, side effects. The volume of reports for Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Dextromethorphan Hbr, Guaifenesin?

The FDA continues to monitor this drug for safety concerns, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to DEXTROMETHORPHAN HBR, GUAIFENESIN based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

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Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.