Difil-G Forte

Generic Name: dyphylline and guaifenesin (DYE fil in and gwye FEN e sin)

Brand Names: COPD, Difil G, Difil-G Forte, Dilex-G, Dilex-G 200, Dy-G, Dyflex-G, Dyphyllin-GG, Dyphylline GG, Dyphylline GG ES, Jay-Phyl, Lufyllin-GG, Panfil G

What is Difil-G Forte (dyphylline and guaifenesin)?

Dyphylline is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

The combination of dyphylline and guaifenesin is used to treat cough and breathing problems caused by bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. This medication is not a cure for asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.

Dyphylline and guaifenesin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about dyphylline and Difil-G Forte (dyphylline and guaifenesin)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to dyphylline or guaifenesin. This medication will not treat an asthma attack.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or a history of heart attack, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, or a stomach ulcer.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cough or cold medicine. Guaifenesin is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much guaifenesin. Check the label to see if a medicine contains guaifenesin.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Difil-G Forte (dyphylline and guaifenesin)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to dyphylline or guaifenesin. This medication will not treat an asthma attack.

To make sure you can safely take this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• 
  

  heart disease or a history of heart attack;

  
  


• 
  

  high blood pressure;

  
  


• 
  

  overactive thyroid; or

  
  


• 
  

  a stomach ulcer.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dyphylline and guaifenesin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Dyphylline and guaifenesin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Difil-G Forte (dyphylline and guaifenesin)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication. Take dyphylline and guaifenesin with food if it upsets your stomach.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using dyphylline and guaifenesin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, sweating, fast or slow heart rate, ringing in your ears, feeling anxious or irritable, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking Difil-G Forte (dyphylline and guaifenesin)?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cough or cold medicine. Guaifenesin is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much guaifenesin. Check the label to see if a medicine contains guaifenesin.

Difil-G Forte (dyphylline and guaifenesin) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• 
  

  fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;

  
  


• 
  

  rapid breathing;

  
  


• 
  

  muscle twitching;

  
  


• 
  

  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


• 
  

  seizure (convulsions); or

  
  


• 
  

  extreme thirst with headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

• 
  

  headache;

  
  


• 
  

  mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;

  
  


• 
  

  feeling restless, agitated, or irritable;

  
  


• 
  

  sleep problems (insomnia); or

  
  


• 
  

  warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect dyphylline and guaifenesin ?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• 
  

  probenecid (Benemid);

  
  


• 
  

  aminophylline (Phyllocontin, Truphylline); or

  
  


• 
  

  theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl).

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with dyphylline and guaifenesin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Difil-G Forte resources

• Difil-G Forte Side Effects (in more detail)
• Difil-G Forte Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Difil-G Forte Drug Interactions
• Difil-G Forte Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Difil-G Forte - Add your own review/rating

• COPD MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Dilex-G Liquid MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Difil-G Forte with other medications

• Asthma
• Bronchitis

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about dyphylline and guaifenesin.

See also: Difil-G Forte side effects (in more detail)