General Information
Brand names and manufacturer
Type: OTC/Prescription/schedule
Pronunciation
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Guaifenesin is a OTC/prescription medication available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Guaifenesin is pronounced as: gwye FEN e sin
Guaifenesin is a expectorent
Guaifenesin reduces the congestion in chest by loosening the mucus in the airways and helps to get relief from the cough.
- Take guaifenesin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
- Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer duration than recommended by your doctor.Take the guaifenesin with or with out food every 4 to 6 hours to get the relief from the cough.
- Take extra fluids so that the mucus loosen and comes out easily when you cough.
- If you are taking liquid form of medication measure the dose with dose measuring spoon which comes with the bottle do not use the house hold spoon.
- Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any OTC or prescription drugs and ask them about drug interactions with guaifenesin.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any breathing problems due to asthma or bronchitis.
Do not take guaifenesin if you are allergic to it or have breathing problems.
Children: For children less than 3 years guaifenesin should be given under suoervision of physician.
Old people:
Pregnant woman: Guaifenesin belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that guaifenesin may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: It is not known whether guaifenesin passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take guaifenesin with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Other: Liquid form of the medication has the sugar caution is advised for usage in diabetic patients.
Guaifenesin is available in the form of tablets and liquid form.
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease. Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
The following are the side effects for guaifenesin
If you notice any allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, breathing problems, chest tight ness, swelling of the face, lips stop using the medication and consult your physician immediately.
Store guaifenesin at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.
- Guaifenesin cause dizziness caution is advised while driving and operating the machine.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: November 20,2011