Guaifenesin (Systemic)

Brand Names : 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, Balminil Expectorant, Benylin-E, Calmylin Expectorant, Resyl, glyceryl guaiacolate

Proper Use of This Medicine

Drinking plenty of water while taking guaifenesin may help loosen mucus or phlegm in the lungs.

For patients taking the extended-release capsule form of this medicine:

• Swallow the capsule whole, or open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on soft food such as applesauce, jelly, or pudding and swallow without crushing or chewing.

For patients taking the extended-release tablet form of this medicine:

• If the tablet has a groove in it, you may carefully break it into two pieces along the groove. Then swallow the pieces whole, without crushing or chewing them.
• If the tablet does not have a groove in it, it must be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it before swallowing.

Dosing - The dose of guaifenesin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of guaifenesin. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For regular (short-acting) oral dosage forms (capsules, oral solution, syrup, or tablets):
  • For cough:
    • Adults - 200 to 400 milligrams (mg) every four hours.
    • Children younger than 2 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children 2 to 6 years of age - 50 to 100 mg every four hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age - 100 to 200 mg every four hours.
• For long-acting oral dosage forms (extended-release capsules or tablets):
  • For cough:
    • Adults - 600 to 1200 mg every twelve hours.
    • Children younger than 2 years of age - Use is not recommended.
    • Children 2 to 6 years of age - 300 mg every twelve hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age - 600 mg every twelve hours.

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.