Guaifenesin
Generic medicine reference
Not yet clinically reviewed
This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.
Overview
Guaifenesin is an ingredient in cough and cold medicines that is used to help clear mucus or phlegm from your chest when you have had a cold or flu. Guaifenesin works by making your mucus thinner and easier to cough up, which helps clear chest congestion. Guaifenesin is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine and also available on prescription.
Guaifenesin is not FDA approved for treatment of fibromyalgia but some people take it off-label for this condition. In clinical studies guaifenesin has not shown to be effective for fibromyalgia.
Indications
Guaifenesin is an ingredient in cough and cold medicines that is used to help clear mucus or phlegm from your chest when you have had a cold or flu. Guaifenesin works by making your mucus thinner and easier to cough up, which helps clear chest congestion. Guaifenesin is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine and also available on prescription.
Guaifenesin is not FDA approved for treatment of fibromyalgia but some people take it off-label for this condition. In clinical studies guaifenesin has not shown to be effective for fibromyalgia.
Contraindications
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or phenylketonuria (PKU).
It is not known whether guaifenesin will harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether guaifenesin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to guaifenesin : hives ; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common guaifenesin side effects may include:
dizziness , headache ; drowsiness; rash; or nausea , vomiting , stomach upset .
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to guaifenesin.
Use this medicine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Guaifenesin is commonly found as part of over-the-counter combination medications for cold and cough. Read labels or ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, or cough medicine when taking guaifenesin.
Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
High Risk Groups
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to guaifenesin.
Use this medicine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Guaifenesin is commonly found as part of over-the-counter combination medications for cold and cough. Read labels or ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, or cough medicine when taking guaifenesin.
Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Adult Dosage
200 to 400 mg (300 (300)) 4 hourly PO —
Scraped Dose — Use guaifenesin exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Take guaifenesin with food if it upsets your stomach.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. 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 it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Child Dosage
No child dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Neonatal Dosage
No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Drug Interactions
Other drugs may interact with guaifenesin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins , and herbal products . Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Storage
Syrup Store Below 40°C. Do not Freeze. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture. Tab Store Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture.
Available Brands in Pakistan
No active brands are currently recorded for this generic.
1 record is present but flagged "Unverified / Legacy" and excluded.