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.
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.
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
dizziness or headache,
a rash, or
nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.
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.
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.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Guaifenesin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
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.
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.
Guaifenesin is available with a prescription generically and under several brand names. Ask your
pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Fenesin 600 mg—light-blue, scored tablets
Humibid L.A. 600 mg—light-green, scored capsules
Humibid Pediatric Capsules 300 mg—green/clear capsules
with white beads
Organidin NR 200 mg guaifenesin—round, scored,
rose-colored tablets
Organidin NR Liquid, 100 mg guaifenesin per 5 mL (1
teaspoon)—clear, amber liquid
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.
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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.
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