Why is this medication
prescribed?
Guaifenesin
thins the mucus in the air passages and makes it easier to cough up the
mucus and clear the airways, allowing you to breathe more easily. It
relieves the coughs of colds, bronchitis, and other lung infections.
This
medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be
used?
Guaifenesin
comes as a regular and extended-release (long-acting) tablet and
capsule and liquid to take by mouth. Follow the directions on the
package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take guaifenesin
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more
often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not
break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets and do not open
extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.
Drink
plenty of fluid while taking this medication (unless your doctor has
directed you to limit the amount of fluid you drink). Guaifenesin comes
alone and in combination with antihistamines, cough suppressants, and
decongestants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which form
is best for your symptoms.
If your
symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if you have a high fever,
rash, or persistent headache, call your doctor.
What special precautions
should I follow?
Before
taking guaifenesin,
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to guaifenesin or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, including vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have
or have ever had high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease,
or diabetes.
- tell your doctor if you are
pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking guaifenesin, call your doctor.
What should I do if I forget a
dose?
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this
medication cause?
Although
side effects from guaifenesin are not common, they can occur. Tell your
doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
What storage conditions are
needed for this medicine?
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of
reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case
of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know?
Keep
all appointments with your doctor.
Do not
let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions
you have about refilling your prescription.
