Guaifenesin - Medical Health Care Library Wiki

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What is the most important information I should know about guaifenesin?  Drink plenty of extra fluids while you are taking this medication. Extra fluids may help to relieve chest congestion.  Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where they are scored to make them easier to swallow.  What is guaifenesin?  Guaifenesin is an expectorant. Guaifenesin loosens phlegm and increases the lubrication of your lungs allowing  for a productive cough and decreased chest congestion.  Guaifenesin is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections,  or allergies.  Guaifenesin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking guaifenesin?  Talk to your doctor before taking guaifenesin if you have other medical conditions or if you take other medicines.  Guaifenesin is  in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that  it is not known whether guaifenesin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking  to your doctor if you are pregnant.  It  is also not known whether guaifenesin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.  Guaifenesin has not been approved by the FDA  for use by children younger than 2 years of age.  How should I take guaifenesin?  Take guaifenesin exactly  as directed  by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions,  ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.  Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of extra fluids while  you are taking this medication. Extra fluids may help to relieve chest congestion.  Take guaifenesin with food if  it upsets  your stomach.  Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow  them whole or break them in half where they are scored to make them easier to swallow.  The capsules may be swallowed whole, or they may be opened and the contents sprinkled on soft food such as pudding or applesauce then swallowed whole without crushing or chewing.  To ensure that  you get a correct dose, measure  the liquid form  of guaifenesin  with a special dose-measuring spoon  or cup, not with a regular table spoon.  If you  do not have a dose-measuring device, ask  your pharmacist where you can get one.  Store guaifenesin at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.  What happens if I miss a dose?  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it  is almost time for  your next dose, skip  the missed dose and take only  your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this  medication. What happens if I overdose?  An overdose of guaifenesin is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an  overdose, call an emergency room or  poison control center near you.  What should I avoid while taking guaifenesin?  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Guaifenesin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.  What are the possible side effects of guaifenesin?  No serious side effects are expected from guaifenesin therapy. Stop taking guaifenesin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of  your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to  take guaifenesin and talk to  your doctor if  you experience  <ul><li>dizziness or headache, </li><li>a rash, or </li><li>nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset. </li></ul>Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.  What other drugs will affect guaifenesin ?  There are no known interactions between guaifenesin and other medicines, although the possibility exists. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.  Where can I get more information?  Your pharmacist has additional information about guaifenesin written for health professionals that you may read.  Remember, keep this  and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others,  and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.  Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date,  and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners  and consumers in the United States  and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to,  and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge  and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.