Guaifenesin Oral

Uses
This medication is used for the temporary relief of coughs caused by certain respiratory tract infections (e.g., common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis) and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor.
Guaifenesin belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.
Do not use this medication in children younger than 2 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all of the doctor's dosage directions. Do not give other cough and cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (e.g., saline nose drops/spray, using a humidifier or infant nasal suction bulb).

How to use Guaifenesin Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 hours or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 6 doses in a 24-hour period.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
For liquid forms, measure your dose with the dosing device provided with this medication. Do not use a household spoon.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 7 days.

Before taking guaifenesin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma), cough with large amounts of phlegm.
Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor of pharmacist about the safe use of this product.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting.

NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication is for temporary use only. Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless your doctor tells you to do so. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts longer than 7 days.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Side effects from this medication are unlikely. If any bothersome side effects occur, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Guaifenesin is available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your medications to make sure you are not taking more than one product containing guaifenesin.
This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., urine levels of certain acids). Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.