Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It is used to treat many conditions, such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It thins mucous, increases the lubrication of your respiratory tract (lungs, nose and throat), and improves the removal of mucous.

Acetaminophen and guaifenesin are used to treat headache, aches and pains, fever, and chest congestion caused by common cold or flu. It also loosens phlegm (mucus) in your chest to help you breathe more easily.

Acetaminophen and guaifenesin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take acetaminophen and guaifenesin exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Do not crush or chew the caplet or dissolve it in water.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Increasing the amount of water you drink may also help to loosen congestion.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.

Do not take acetaminophen and guaifenesin for longer than 7 days in a row. Stop using the medication and call your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days of use. Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or if you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, any redness or swelling, or any new symptoms.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not take any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medicines without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen is contained in many cold and pain medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen.

Urine glucose tests may produce false results while you are taking acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor if you are diabetic and you notice changes in your glucose levels during treatment.

There may be other drugs that can interact with acetaminophen and guaifenesin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may cause damage to your liver when it is taken with acetaminophen.

Seek emergency medical attention.

The first signs of an acetaminophen and guaifenesin overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as directed. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.

Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen is contained in many cold and pain medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen.

Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take acetaminophen.

Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take acetaminophen.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease,

• a history of alcoholism,

• diabetes,

• emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

You may not be able to take acetaminophen and guaifenesin, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Do not use acetaminophen and guaifenesin to treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or other breathing problems.

It is not known whether acetaminophen and guaifenesin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take acetaminophen and guaifenesin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.

This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years old.

Your pharmacist has additional information about acetaminophen and guaifenesin written for health professionals that you may read.

Acetaminophen and guaifenesin is available over the counter under the brand name Tylenol Chest Congestion. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.