Guaifenesin, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: expectorant

Generic and brand names: guaifenesin, oral; Allfen; Ambi 1000; Ambi 1200 SR; Ambi 600; Ambi 800; Anti-Tuss Syrup; Diabetic Tussin Liquid; Duratuss G Tablets; Fenesin Tablets Sustained-Release; Guaifenesin Syrup; Guaifenex G; Guaifenex LA Tablets Extended-Release; Guiatuss Syrup; Humibid LA Tablets Sustained-Release; Humibid Pediatric; Hytuss 2X Capsules; Hytuss Tablets; Liquibid 1200; Liquibid Tablets; Mucinex; Muco-Fen 800 and 1200; Organidin NR Liquid; Respa-GF Tablets; Robitussin Syrup; Scot-tussin Syrup; Siltussin SA Syrup; Touro Ex Caplets Sustained-Release

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 capsules, tablets, liquids, syrups and sustained-release capsules and tablets.

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

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 emphysema
• phenylketonuria (PKU). Some products contain phenylalanine.

Tell your healthcare provider if you smoke cigarettes. Smoking can change how this medicine works.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. If you have purchased a nonprescription product, follow the directions on the package. Do not take larger doses. If you have sustained-release capsules or tablets, swallow them whole. Do not break, crush, or chew them. Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine.

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 should I watch out for?

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.

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.

Serious: None.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, headache, rash, hives.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• disulfiram (Antabuse)
• metronidazole (Flagyl).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. 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.