FAQs:
Guaifenesin is an oral expectorant that is used to treat coughs of common cold, allergies, or upper respiratory infection. It is the most readily available over-the-counter drug for cough. The drug acts by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, removing congestion, and makes breathing easier. It is available as tablets, granules or oral liquid formulation. Always drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine because fluids will help break up the mucus and clears the congestion.
What are the Uses of Guaifenesin?
The main uses of Guaifenesin include the following:
– Treatment of wet cough or productive cough
– Relieves cough caused by the common cold, infections or allergy
– Relieves congestion in the chest, making it easier for mucus to cough out
– Bronchitis and other breathing illnesses
– It is also used in treating dry cough with the presence of mucus plugs
What are the Side Effects of Guaifenesin?
Guaifenesin does not usually create many side effects with the recommended dosage. The side effects are as follows:
– Nausea and vomiting
– Diarrhoea
– Abdominal pain
– Drowsiness or dizziness
– Shortness of breath
– Headache
– Rashes and hives over the skin
– Swelling of the face, lip and tongue
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe allergic symptoms.
1. Is Guaifenesin safe?
Yes, Guaifenesin is generally a safe oral expectorant. It is considered the first line of treatment for cough, as the side effects are very rare. No severe allergic reaction has been seen with the use of Guaifenesin if taken under the recommended dosage.
2. Is Guaifenesin safe for heart patients?
Guaifenesin is generally safe for heart patients. This drug is not known to elevate blood pressure. If an overdose of Guaifenesin is taken, it may cause severe effects on the heart and increase heart rate. For heart patients or any previous history of cardiac illness, take the drug under medical supervision.
3. Does Guaifenesin make you cough more?
Guaifenesin will not cause severe and frequent coughing but can cause your cough to be productive (cough with phlegm or mucus). The drug helps to thin the secretion from your lungs and loosen the mucus. This effect can result in a productive cough that aims to clear excessive secretions from the airways.
4. Does Guaifenesin keep you awake?
No, Guaifenesin usually does not keep you awake. But in some individuals, it is reported that it is harder for them to sleep after intake of Guaifenesin, which is not a common side effect of this drug. If you experience this, you are advised to take the recommended dose in the morning and early afternoon. Never take the dose too close to bedtime.
5. Is Guaifenesin safe for pregnancy?
Guaifenesin can be used during pregnancy if your doctor recommends it. But it should be avoided during the first trimester. Experts highly recommend that Guaifenesin formulation be alcohol-free and not be used too frequently by pregnant women.
7. Who should not take Guaifenesin?
Children under the age of 4 People with persistent chronic cough due to tobacco smoking, asthma or emphysema People with chronic bronchitis or significant respiratory depression Guaifenesin can alter the urine laboratory test; discontinue its intake at least 48 hours before the collection of urine If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about whether or not to take Guaifenesin
8. Is it okay to take Guaifenesin every day?
Cough medicines are usually taken for a short time until your symptoms clear up. In patients with chronic respiratory symptoms or chronic bronchitis, Guaifenesin is advisable for long term use in a recommended dosage. This medicine has contributed to a rapid improvement in the symptoms. However, always seek advice from a physician for long-term use. Regular visits to your doctor are necessary to screen for side effects.
9. Does Guaifenesin dry up mucus?
No, Guaifenesin does not dry up mucus; it only loosens or thins the mucus already present in the respiratory tract. It increases the volume of bronchial secretions and decreases the mucus viscosity. So this makes it easier to expel mucus or phlegm by coughing.
10. Is Guaifenesin bad for kidneys?
Guaifenesin is generally a safe cough medication to take in patients with kidney disease. However, it is essential to remember that you must take only the recommended dosage per day. If you are suffering from existing renal impairments, it is always advisable to seek a doctor’s suggestion.
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Side Effects:
– Diarrhoea
– Abdominal pain
– Drowsiness or dizziness
– Shortness of breath
– Headache
– Rashes and hives over the skin
– Swelling of the face, lip and tongue