Guaifenex

Generic name: Guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Usage of Guaifenex

Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.

Drink plenty of extra fluids while taking this medication.

Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole or break them in half where they are scored to make them easier to swallow if needed.

Guaifenex side effects

No serious side effects from Guaifenex are expected. Stop taking Guaifenex and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Guaifenex and talk to your doctor if you experience

dizziness or headache;

nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia;

nausea or stomach upset; or

difficulty urinating.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking Guaifenex

Do not take Guaifenex if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

high blood pressure or any other type of heart disease,

diabetes,

a peripheral vascular disorder (poor circulation),

glaucoma or increased pressure in the eyes,

an overactive thyroid, or

difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take Guaifenex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Guaifenex is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Guaifenex will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Guaifenex passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Guaifenex. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Guaifenex has not been approved for use by children younger than 6 years of age.

Relate drugs

What other drugs will affect Guaifenex

Heart medications such as methyldopa (Aldomet), reserpine (Serpalan, Serpasil), and guanethidine (Ismelin) may have decreased effects. Talk to your doctor before taking Guaifenex.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking Guaifenex without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain guaifenesin, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Guaifenex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Disclaimer

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