Mucinex Oral

Uses 
This medication is used for temporary relief of coughs caused by certain respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, sinusitis, or the common cold), especially when the cough produces phlegm or congestion. This product is, generally, not used for the chronic cough from smoking or chronic breathing problems (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema), unless directed by your doctor.

Guaifenesin is called an expectorant. It works by thinning phlegm in the respiratory tract. This helps the cough to clear phlegm better.

This form of the medication is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all 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 Mucinex Oral

Take this medication by mouth, usually every 12 hours with a full glass of water, or as directed by your doctor. It is best to swallow the medicine whole. Do not crush or chew this medication. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Adults and children 12 years of age and older should not take more than 2400 milligrams in 24 hours.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Inform your doctor if your cough persists or worsens after more than one week or if you also have fever, headache or rash.

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: smoking, chronic breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), cough with large amounts of phlegm.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. 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 can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting.

NOTES:

Do not share this medication with others.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. This may help to relieve congestion.

This medication is for temporary use only. Do not use for more than 7 days without first discussing your problem with your doctor.

MISSED DOSE:

If you miss a dose, use 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. 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 unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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 healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Guaifenesin is available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your medications carefully 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., uric acid levels, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels, vanillylmandelic acid levels). Make sure laboratory personnel and 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.