Some commonly used brand names are: In the U.S.— Anti-Tuss
Breonesin Diabetic Tussin EX
Fenesin
Gee-Gee Genatuss
Glycotuss
Glytuss
Guiatuss
Halotussin
Humibid L.A.
Humibid Sprinkle
Hytuss
Hytuss-2X
Naldecon Senior EX
Organidin NR
Pneumomist
Robitussin
Scot-tussin Expectorant
Sinumist-SR
Touro EX
Uni-tussin
In Canada — Balminil Expectorant
Benylin-E
Calmylin Expectorant
Resyl
Robitussin
Generic name product may be available in the U.S.
Another commonly used name is glyceryl guaiacolate .
Category
Expectorant
Description
Guaifenesin (gwye-FEN-e-sin) is used to help coughs caused by colds
or similar illnesses clear mucus or phlegm (pronounced flem) from the
chest. It works by thinning the mucus or phlegm in the lungs.
Some guaifenesin preparations are available only with your doctor's
prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however,
your doctor may have special instructions on the proper dose of guaifenesin
for your medical condition. Guaifenesin is available in the following
dosage forms:
Oral Capsules (U.S.)
Extended-release capsules (U.S.)
Oral solution (U.S.)
Syrup (U.S. and Canada)
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Extended-release tablets (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine
If you are taking this medicine without a prescription, carefully
read and follow any precautions on the label. For guaifenesin, the
following should be considered:Allergies—Tell your doctor if
you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to guaifenesin.
Also tell your health care professional
if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,
or dyes.
Pregnancy—Several groups of women taking guaifenesin during
pregnancy have been studied. In one group, when guaifenesin was taken
during the first 3 months of pregnancy, the babies had more inguinal
hernias than expected. However, more birth defects than expected did
not occur in the babies of other groups of women taking guaifenesin
during pregnancy. Studies have not been done in animals.
Breast-feeding—It is not known whether guaifenesin passes into
breast milk. However, guaifenesin has not been reported to cause problems
in nursing babies.
Children—Although there is no specific information comparing
use of guaifenesin in children with use in other age groups, this medicine
is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children
than it does in adults. However, check with your doctor before using
this medicine in children who have a chronic cough, such as occurs
with asthma, or who have an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm
with the cough. Children with these conditions may need a different
kind of medicine. Also, guaifenesin should not be given to children
younger than 2 years of age unless you are directed to do so by your
doctor.
Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically
in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly
the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific
information comparing use of guaifenesin in the elderly with use in
other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different
side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. Proper Use of This Medicine
Missed dose—If you must take this medicine regularly and you
miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular
dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage—To store this medicine:Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store the capsule or tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom,
near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause
the medicine to break down.
Do not refrigerate the syrup form of this medicine.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that
any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
If your cough has not improved after 7 days or if you have a fever,
skin rash, continuing headache, or sore throat with the cough, check
with your doctor. These signs may me
