Guaifenesin, Oral

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

• This medicine is taken by mouth to treat dry, unproductive coughs and to bring up mucus from the lungs. Take it exactly as directed. Do not give a child under age 4 any cough and cold medicines unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

________________________________________________________________________

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: expectorant

Generic and brand names: guaifenesin, oral; Allfen; Altarussin; Bidex; Diabetic Tussin EX; Diabetic Tussin Mucus Relief; ElixSure ES; Guaituss; Iophen NR; Liquibid; Mucinex; Mucinex Children’s Mini-Melts; Mucinex Junior Strength; Q-Tussin; Robafen; Robitussin; Scot-Tussin Expectorant; Siltussin DAS; Siltussin SA (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat dry, unproductive coughs and to bring up mucus from the lungs. It comes in the form of tablets, liquid, dissolving powder, and sustained-release tablets.

You can buy many forms of this medicine without a prescription. Stronger formulas or some sustained release forms require a prescription.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• Breathing problems such as asthma or COPD
• Phenylketonuria (PKU). Some products contain phenylalanine.

Do not take this medicine for long-term coughs caused by smoking, asthma, or COPD unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not take this medicine if you already cough up a lot of mucus.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. If you have a nonprescription product, follow the directions on the package. Do not take larger doses.

Do not use this medicine in children under age 4.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach. Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine.

If you have sustained-release tablets, swallow them whole. Do not break, crush, or chew them.

If you have the liquid form of this medicine, use the measuring spoon, cup, dropper, or oral syringe that comes with the medicine, or ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen spoon because the dose may not be correct.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

Do not give a child under age 4 any cough and cold medicines unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare provider. If your child is over the age of 4, ask your healthcare provider before giving cough and cold medicines.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert. Alcohol may increase the risk of making you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.

Contact your healthcare provider if your cough has not improved after 7 days, or if you have a headache, fever, or rash that does not go away.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious: None.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, mild rash.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

---

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.