guaifenesin

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Dec 13, 2022

Warnings

Guaifenesin Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Guaifenesin can cause serious health problems in certain groups of people. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options for clearing congestion if you are at high risk of complications from guaifenesin use.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Rarely, guaifenesin can cause a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening closing of the throat. This is an emergency and you should call 911 if it occurs. Call your health care provider if you develop hives, skin rash, swelling of the tongue or lips, or difficulty breathing after using guaifenesin.
NOT FOR CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 4 YEARS OLD: Guaifenesin is not safe for children younger than 4 years of age. This medication can cause serious problems, including trouble breathing and even death in very young children. Talk to your child's healthcare professional for safer alternatives.
NOT FOR CHRONIC COUGH: Guaifenesin should not be used to relieve cough caused by chronic lung conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, other breathing illnesses, and smoking. This medicine is only meant to treat short-term cough. If your symptoms of cough and cold last for more than 7 days, or stop and then come back, or if you develop symptoms like high fever, skin rash, and headache, get in touch with your doctor without delay. This could indicate a more serious illness that needs to be treated with something other than guaifenesin.
NOT FOR PEOPLE WITH PHENYLKETONURIA: The dissolvable granules of guaifenesin (brand name Children's Mucinex Mini-Melts) contain phenylalanine and can be dangerous for people with a condition called phenylketonuria (PKU). However, the regular tablets and liquid are safe to take. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you or your child has PKU and you are not sure which guaifenesin products are safe to use.

Precautions Before Starting Guaifenesin

Tell your healthcare professional if you are allergic to guaifenesin, any of the active or inactive ingredients in guaifenesin products, or any other drugs.

Give your healthcare professional a complete medical history. Guaifenesin may not be right for people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. If you are taking the dissolving granules of guaifenesin, tell your doctor if you have a medical problem called phenylketonuria. Also, tell your doctor if you have low magnesium or kidney disease.

Give your health care professional a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible drug interactions.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy or are breastfeeding (it is unclear if the medicine is excreted into breast milk).

Precautions During Use of Guaifenesin

Make sure you drink enough fluids while on guaifenesin. This medicine will help relieve your symptoms but will not cure your condition. If you continue having symptoms 7 days after starting guaifenesin or have a high fever, rash, and headache, contact your doctor. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while on guaifenesin.

Guaifenesin Drug Interactions

Guaifenesin can have possible interactions with other drugs. This can affect how well the medications work. Interactions between guaifenesin and other medicines can also increase the risk of severe adverse effects.

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medicines.

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