Guaifenesin oral dosage forms

What is guaifenesin?
GUAIFENESIN (Humibidreg;, Mucinex™, Robitussinreg;, and others) helps treat coughs caused by colds or the flu. It loosens phlegm or mucus in the lungs. It is not intended to treat chronic cough caused by smoking, asthma, emphysema, heart failure, or problems in which there is a large amount of phlegm. Generic guaifenesin is available as prescription or non-prescription capsules, extended-release capsules, tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral liquids. Generic Mucinex™ tablets are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I take guaifenesin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•asthma
•chronic bronchitis
•emphysema
•fever
•heart problems (such as heart failure)
•smoker
•an unusual or allergic reaction to guaifenesin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?
Take guaifenesin by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the medicine with a full glass of water. Do not cut, crush, bite, or chew the delayed-release tablets or capsules. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure the liquid medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you are taking guaifenesin on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with guaifenesin?
No interactions between guaifenesin and other medicines have been recorded.

Some medications can cause a cough such as ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, and others) which are used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure. Tell your doctor about all the prescription medications you are taking.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking guaifenesin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare (more likely with excessive doses of guaifenesin):
•side pain or back pain that extends to the groin (signs of kidney stones)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Uncommon:
•diarrhea
•drowsiness or dizziness
•headache
•nausea or vomiting
•stomach pain
•rash

What should I watch for while taking guaifenesin?
Do not treat yourself for a cough for more than 1 week without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. If you also have a high fever, skin rash, continuing headache, or sore throat, ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how guaifenesin affects you. Alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy; avoid alcoholic drinks.

Drink plenty of water while you are taking guaifenesin; this will help loosen the mucus.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze liquid products. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

 

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.