Guaifenesin
Description
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that is used in the treatment of a cough. This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients less than 2 years of age and only under the supervision of your doctor.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Guaifenesin
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Hives
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Skin Rash
- Stomach pain
Uses of Guaifenesin
What is it prescribed for?
- Cough
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 30 minutes of administration of the dose.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 4 to 12 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, the infant should be monitored closely for any undesired side effects.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to guaifenesin or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, the infant should be monitored closely for any undesired side effects.
General warnings
Severe renal impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Severe hepatic impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of liver function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Use in pediatrics
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients less than 2 years of age and only under the supervision of your doctor.
Cough suppressants
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients taking cough suppressants since they have opposite effects. Coadministration of these medicines may result in severe adverse effects and worsen the patient's condition.
Driving or Operating machinery
This medicine may cause dizziness in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience dizziness during treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
This medicine is usually taken on an as-needed basis. If you are on a scheduled dosing regimen of this medicine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine with or without food. Do not take in larger amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects or if there is a lack of improvement.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by reducing the thickness of mucus in the air passages; this makes it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Expectorants
Schedule
OTC
Guaifenesin - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 26 March 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2018 [cited 26 March 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2018 [cited 26 March 2018]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2018 [cited 26 March 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Npra.moh.gov.my. 2018 [cited 26 March 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medsafe.govt.nz. 2018 [cited 26 March 2018]. Available from:
Guaifenesin: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 26 March 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 9 Apr 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.