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What is guaifenesin
 Guaifenesin
is an expectorant. Guaifenesin loosens phlegm and increases
the lubrication of your lungs allowing for a productive cough
and decreased chest congestion.
Guaifenesin
is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold,
infections, or allergies.
Guaifenesin
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about guaifenesin
Drink plenty of extra fluids while you are taking
this medication. Extra fluids may help to relieve chest
congestion.
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.
What you should find out before taking
guaifenesin
Talk to your doctor before taking guaifenesin if
you have other medical conditions or if you take other medicines.
Guaifenesin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This
means that it is not known whether guaifenesin will harm
an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is
also not known whether guaifenesin passes into breast milk.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Guaifenesin
has not been approved by the FDA for use by children younger
than 2 years of age.
How should take guaifenesin Take guaifenesin 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. Drink plenty of extra fluids
while you are taking this medication. Extra fluids may help
to relieve chest congestion.
Take guaifenesin with
food if it upsets your stomach.
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.
The
capsules may be swallowed whole, or they may be opened and
the contents sprinkled on soft food such as pudding or applesauce
then swallowed whole without crushing or chewing.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid
form of guaifenesin 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 guaifenesin at room temperature away
from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: An overdose of guaifenesin is unlikely to occur.
If you do suspect an overdose, call an emergency room or
poison control center near you.
Avoid while taking guaifenesin Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Guaifenesin may cause
dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
Possible side effects of guaifenesin No serious side effects are expected from guaifenesin
therapy. Stop taking guaifenesin and seek emergency medical
attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side
effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take guaifenesin
and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness
or headache,
- a rash, or
- nausea, vomiting,
or stomach upset.
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 guaifenesin
There
are no known interactions between guaifenesin and other medicines,
although the possibility exists. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
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