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Overview

Guaifenesin

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor not required

About Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is used to provide relief from acute productive (chesty) coughs. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to it. This drug is not recommended for use in children younger than 4 years old. It is also advised to not to use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Inform your doctor about your health condition and current medications. You should get medical help immediately if you experience any signs of severe allergic reactions such as difficult breathing, hives, swelling of your tongue, face, lips or throat.

Less serious side effects of this drug may include hypersensitivity, diarrhea, nausea, etc. The dosage for children and adults is different and is determined by the doctor based on your medical condition. Symptoms of overdose include vomiting, lethargy, coma, respiratory depression. Treatment is supportive.

Take only as prescribed; do not exceed prescribed dose or frequency. Do not chew or crush timed release capsule. Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake).

Guaifenesin is thought to act as an expectorant by irritating the gastric mucosa and stimulating respiratory tract secretions, thereby increasing respiratory fluid volumes and decreasing phlegm viscosity.

This medicine must not be used for persistent cough such as occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or cough accompanied by excessive secretions.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Guaifenesin

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Guaifenesin ?

    • Hypersensitivity

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Guaifenesin ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Guaifenesin

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      It is generally safe to consume alcohol with this drug.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Pregnant women must consult doctor before using this drug.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Breastfeeding women must consult doctor before using this drug.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      You may experience some drowsiness (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known). Please consult your doctor.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      Missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is recommended to skip your missed dose, if it is the time for your next scheduled dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Consult your doctor in case of overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Guaifenesin

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Guaifenesin as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication behaves as an expectorant reduces adhesiveness and surface tension of congealed mucus in the upper respiratory tract to increase the flow of mucous. It also stimulates and increases the efficiency of the cilia to remove the accumulated mucus.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Pulmonologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Guaifenesin ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Possible color interference with determination of 5-HIAA and VMA
      • Interaction with Medicine

        This drug interacts with Disulfiram, MAO inhibitors, metronidazole, and procarbazine.
      • Interaction with Disease

        This drug interacts with renal or severe hepatic impairment, asthma, cough, etc.

      FAQs about Guaifenesin

      • Ques : What is Guaifenesin?

        Ans : It is used to provide relief from acute productive (chesty) coughs. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to it.

      • Ques : What is Guaifenesin used for?

        Ans : Guaifenesin is an expectorant, mainly used to relieve chest congestion by aiding the removal of mucus.

      • Ques : How long can I take Guaifenesin?

        Ans : Consult your doctor for use more than 7 days.

      • Ques : Can I take Guaifenesin if I have high blood pressure?

        Ans : No, this medication is not advised by individuals with high blood pressure. Consult your doctor before taking the medication.

      • Ques : Can I take Guaifenesin with phenylephrine, ibuprofen, amoxicillin and paracetamol (acetaminophen)?

        Ans : There are no known drug interactions between phenylephrine, ibuprofen, amoxicillin and paracetamol (acetaminophen) and Guaifenesin. However, consult your doctor about all medications taken before starting and while on Guaifenesin

      • Ques : Can I take Guaifenesin with Sudafed (pseudoephedrine-decongestant preparation) and Dayquil (OTC cold and cough preparation), Benadryl, benzonatate?

        Ans : Guaifenesin can be taken with other cold and cough preparation including Sudafed, Dayquil, Benadryl and benzonatate . However, other formulations containing Guaifenesin must be avoided to avoid a double dose. Also, Guaifenesin should not be combined with cough suppressants in the treatment of cough since the combination would not be logical and you may be exposed to unnecessary side effects.

      • Ques : Should I use Guaifenesin empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication is advised to be consumed orally. The salts involved in this medication react properly if it is taken after having food. If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset the stomach. Please consult the doctor before using it.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Guaifenesin?

        Ans : It should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

      References

      • Guaifenesin- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/guaifenesin

      • Benylin Children's Chesty Coughs- EMC [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. 2020 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

        https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1479/smpc

      • EXPECTORANT GUAIFENESIN EXTENDED-RELEASE- guaifenesin tablet- Daily Med [Internet]. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021 [Cited 23 Nov 2021]. Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f863ab35-046b-4006-901e-dd290c164acc

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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