What is Guaifenesin?

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.
Guaifenesin is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.
Guaifenesin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Guaifenesin?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to guaifenesin.
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.
Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

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

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to guaifenesin.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether guaifenesin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Guaifenesin Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of 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.
Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness or headache,
• a rash, or
• nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Guaifenesin Interactions

What other drugs affect Guaifenesin?

There may be other drugs that can interact with guaifenesin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Guaifenesin?

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Guaifenesin Dosage

How should I take Guaifenesin?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.
Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.
Take guaifenesin with food if it upsets your stomach.
Measure the liquid form of guaifenesin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open a controlled-release, delayed-release, or extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Store guaifenesin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

What happens if I overdose on Guaifenesin?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of guaifenesin is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Guaifenesin?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com