Guaifenesin, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: guaifenesin, oral; Amonidrin Tablets; Anti-Tuss Syrup; Breonesin Capsules; Diabetic Tussin EX Liquid; Duratuss G Tablets; Fenesin Tablets Sustained-Release; GG-Cen Capsules; Gee-Gee Tablets; Genatuss Syrup; Glyate Syrup; Glycotuss Tablets; Glytuss Tablets; Guaifenesin Syrup; Guaifenex LA Tablets Extended-Release; Guiatuss Syrup; Halotussin Syrup; Humibid LA Tablets Sustained-Release; Humibid Sprinkle Capsules Sustained-Release (guaifenesin, oral); Hytuss 2X Capsules; Hytuss Tablets; Liquibid LA Tablets, Sustained-Release (guaifenesin. oral); Liquibid Tablets; Malotuss Syrup; Monafed Tablets, Sustained-Release; Muco-Fen LA Tablets, Sustained-Release; Muco-Fen-LA, Sustained-Release; Mytussin Syrup; Naldecon Senior EX Liquid; Organidin NR Liquid; Organidin NR Tablets; Pneumomist Tablets, Sustained-Release; Respa-GF Tablets, Sustained-Release; Robitussin Syrup; Scot-tussin Syrup; Siltussin SA Syrup; Siltussin Syrup; Sinumist-SR Capsulets, Sustained-Release; Touro Ex Caplets, Sustained-Release; Tusibron Syrup; Tussin Syrup; Uni-tussin Syrup

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.

Many forms of this medicine can be purchased without a prescription. Stronger formulas or the sustained release forms require a prescription.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as your health care 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. Humabid Sprinkle Capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled on soft food that can be swallowed without chewing, such as applesauce.

What should I watch out for?

Do not take this medicine for coughs from smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or if you are already coughing up a lot of phlegm unless your health care provider approves.

If your cough continues for more than 1 week, it may be a sign of a serious condition. Consult your health care provider if your cough comes back, or if you also have a fever, rash, or constant headache.

Taking too much of this medicine may cause nausea and vomiting.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

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 health care 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?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care 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.