Guaifenesin Solution

What is this medication?

GUAIFENESIN (gwye FEN e sin) treats cough and chest congestion. It works by thinning and loosening mucus, making it easier to clear from the head, throat, and lungs. It belongs to a group of medications called expectorants.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Altarussin, Altorant, Chest Congestion Relief, Cough, Diabetic Tussin, Diabetic Tussin EX, Diabetic Tussin Mucus Relief, ElixSure EX, Ganidin NR, GERI-TUSSIN, Guiatuss, Iophen-NR, Miltuss EX, Mucinex Children's, Mucinex Fast-Max Chest Congestion, Mucus + Chest Congestion, Mucus Relief Children's, Naldecon, Organidin NR, Q-Tussin, Robafen, Robafen Congestion, Robitussin, Robitussin Mucus + Chest Congestion, Scot-Tussin Expectorant, Siltussin DAS, Siltussin Diabetic DAS-Na, Siltussin SA, TUSNEL-EX

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diabetes.
• Fever.
• Kidney disease.
• An unusual or allergic reaction to guaifenesin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• Breastfeeding.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your dose. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Do not treat a cough for more than 1 week without consulting your care team. If you also have a high fever, skin rash, continuing headache, or sore throat, see your care team.

For best results, drink 6 to 8 glasses water daily while you are taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness.
• Headache.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

Note: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What does Mucinex do?

Mucinex® relieves cold and flu symptoms so you can feel better during the day and/or sleep better at night. It won’t shorten the length of your infection or stop you from spreading germs to others. Mucinex is a brand name of medications that come in many forms, including tablets, caplets and liquid (solution).

Is Mucinex an expectorant?

In many cases, yes. Guaifenesin is an active ingredient in many Mucinex products. Guaifenesin is an expectorant, and so most people think of Mucinex as an expectorant. But it’s only an expectorant if you see guaifenesin on the ingredients list.

Expectorants thin and loosen mucus in your airways. When your mucus is thinner, you can cough it up more easily. And that’s a good thing — you don’t want mucus hanging around in your airways. Guaifenesin won’t stop you from coughing, but it’ll make your cough more productive. This means coughing will bring up mucus so it can leave your body.

What symptoms does Mucinex relieve?

Some Mucinex products contain additional active ingredients besides guaifenesin. These combination medications treat more than one symptom at the same time. For example, some products contain guaifenesin (to thin mucus), as well as:

• Dextromethorphan, to calm your cough reflex.
• Pseudoephedrine, to relieve a stuffy nose.
• Acetaminophen, to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Different active ingredients work in different ways, and each comes with its own possible side effects. Some ingredients might be safer for you than others, depending on your medical history and other medications you’re taking.

That’s why it’s always important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking any medication, even if it’s one you can easily grab at the store. Your provider will make sure the medication is appropriate for your symptoms and that it’s safe for you.

What is Mucinex used for?

People use expectorants, like Mucinex, to ease chest congestion and help clear out mucus. Different varieties of Mucinex can also help you manage other symptoms like a stuffy nose or sneezing. Your healthcare provider may suggest you use Mucinex or a similar product if you have a respiratory infection like:

• A common cold.
• Influenza (the flu).
• Bronchitis.
• Pneumonia.

Does Mucinex make you sleepy?

Sometimes. It depends on the formula. Mucinex comes in many different varieties, and some contain multiple active ingredients. Side effects — like drowsiness — can vary according to the ingredient.

Check with your healthcare provider before taking Mucinex or any other nonprescription medication. They’ll talk to you about possible side effects and let you know if you should avoid doing anything, like driving or operating heavy machinery.

Can Mucinex cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea isn’t a typical side effect if you take the recommended dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to minimize side effects from Mucinex or other medications.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

When that tickle in your throat turns to a full-blown cold, you want relief and you want it fast. Healthcare providers often recommend medications like guaifenesin because they help relieve your symptoms. The infection will still have to run its course, but clearing out mucus can help you get through the day and sleep better at night. Talk to your healthcare provider about guaifenesin to see if it’s right for you.

Note: Intro and FAQ sections written and reviewed by Cleveland Clinic professionals.