Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

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, it must be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it before swallowing.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine 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 this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • 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 6 to 12 years of age—100 to 200 mg every four hours.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—50 to 100 mg every four hours.
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
  • For long-acting oral dosage forms (extended-release capsules or tablets):
    • For cough:
      • Adults—600 to 1200 mg every twelve hours.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—600 mg every twelve hours.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—300 mg every twelve hours.
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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