What is Acetaminophen Guaifenesin?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It is used to treat many conditions, such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It thins , increases the lubrication of your respiratory tract (lungs, nose and throat), and improves the removal of .

Acetaminophen and guaifenesin are used to treat headache, aches and pains, fever, and chest congestion caused by common cold or flu. It also loosens phlegm (mucus) in your chest to help you breathe more easily.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Acetaminophen Guaifenesin?

Do not take this medication without a doctor’s advice if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take acetaminophen.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication if you have:

• liver disease
• a history of alcoholism
• diabetes; or
• emphysema or chronic bronchitis

Do not use acetaminophen and guaifenesin to treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or other breathing problems.

It is not known whether acetaminophen and guaifenesin will harm an unborn baby. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to take this medication if you are pregnant.

This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to take this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years old.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

Acetaminophen Guaifenesin Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Acetaminophen Guaifenesin?

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.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite
• dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

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.

Acetaminophen Guaifenesin Interactions

What other drugs affect Acetaminophen Guaifenesin?

There may be other drugs that can interact with acetaminophen 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.

What should I avoid while taking Acetaminophen Guaifenesin?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any cough, cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medicines. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as “APAP”) and guaifenesin are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen, APAP, or guaifenesin.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Acetaminophen Guaifenesin Dosage

How should I take Acetaminophen Guaifenesin?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver. Adults should not take more than 1 gram (1000 mg) of acetaminophen per dose or 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Ask a doctor before taking acetaminophen if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day, and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) of acetaminophen per day.

Do not take acetaminophen and guaifenesin for longer than 7 days in a row. Stop using the medication and call your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days of use. Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or if you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, any redness or swelling, or any new symptoms.

This medication can cause false results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using acetaminophen and guaifenesin.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Acetaminophen Guaifenesin?

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

The first signs of an acetaminophen and guaifenesin overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

What happens if I miss a dose of Acetaminophen Guaifenesin?

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.

Sourced from everydayhealth.com