Guaifenesin

This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Altarussin [OTC]; Bidex [OTC] [DSC]; Buckleys Chest Congestion [OTC]; Chest Congestion Relief [OTC]; Diabetic Tussin [OTC] [DSC]; Fenesin IR [OTC] [DSC]; FT Chest Congestion Relief [OTC]; FT Mucus Relief 12HR [OTC]; FT Tussin Adult [OTC]; Geri-Tussin [OTC]; GoodSense Mucus Relief [OTC]; Liquibid [OTC] [DSC]; Max Tussin Mucus & Chest Cong [OTC]; Mucinex Fast-Max Chest Cong MS [OTC]; Mucinex For Kids [OTC] [DSC]; Mucinex Maximum Strength [OTC]; Mucinex [OTC]; Mucosa [OTC] [DSC]; Mucus Relief ER [OTC]; Mucus Relief Max St [OTC]; Mucus Relief [OTC]; Pharbinex [OTC]; Refenesen 400 [OTC]; Robafen Mucus/Chest Congestion [OTC] [DSC]; Robafen [OTC] [DSC]; Robitussin Mucus+Chest Congest [OTC] [DSC]; Siltussin SA [OTC]; Tussin Mucus & Chest Congest [OTC]; Tussin Mucus+Chest Congest SF [OTC] [DSC]; Xpect [OTC]

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used to thin mucus so it can be taken from the body by coughing.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

  • If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
  • If your child has any of these health problems: Cough with a lot of mucus, a long-term cough caused by smoking or being around smoke, or lung problems like asthma.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

  • Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • If your child is on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, talk with the doctor. Some of these products have sodium.
  • If your child has phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your child’s doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
  • Different brands of this drug may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving this drug to a child.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

  • Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if your child has any side effects that bother your child or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

  • Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Have your child drink lots of noncaffeine liquids every day unless told to drink less liquid by your child’s doctor.

All tablet products:

  • Give this drug with a full glass of water.

Extended-release tablets:

  • Have your child swallow whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush.

Liquid:

  • Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this drug.

Granules:

  • Empty the packet onto your child’s tongue and have your child swallow. For best taste, do not let your child chew before swallowing.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

  • If your child takes this drug on a regular basis, give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
  • Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
  • Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis. Do not give to your child more often than told by the doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

  • Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

  • If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
  • Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2022-09-30

Copyright

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Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022