guaifenesin ER
Guaifenesin extended-release (ER) is an over-the-counter expectorant used to relieve wet cough. It helps loosen phlegm in the throat and chest so you can cough it up more easily. Guaifenesin ER can be taken orally by adults and children 12 years and older, typically every 12 hours as needed. Most people experience few to no side effects after taking this medication as directed. Guaifenesin ER is available as a brand-name and generic medication.
What is Guaifenesin ER?
What is Guaifenesin ER used for?
- Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)
How Guaifenesin ER works
Guaifenesin ER is an expectorant, meaning it loosens mucus in your airways by making it thinner. This makes it easier to cough out mucus and help clear chest congestion.
Drug facts
Side effects of Guaifenesin ER
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
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The following Guaifenesin ER side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Guaifenesin ER
Pros
- Available as a lower-cost generic medication
- Taken by mouth
- Longer-lasting compared to guaifenesin IR
Cons
- Tablets can't be cut or crushed
- Not meant to be taken long-term
- Guaifenesin in many over-the-counter products, so you can accidentally take too much
Pharmacist tips for Guaifenesin ER
- If you have a cough that's caused by cigarette smoke, a cough that's linked to a breathing problem (e.g., asthma, emphysema), or a cough with a lot of mucus, let your primary care provider or pulmonologist know before taking guaifenesin ER. You might need more medical attention.
- Please talk with your primary care provider if your cough gets worse, comes back after clearing up, or lasts more than a week. Also, let them know if you also have a rash, fever, or headache. These might be signs of a more serious medical condition that can't be treated with guaifenesin ER.
- Keep in mind that many over-the-counter cough, cold, and flu medications contain similar ingredients, and it's best to avoid taking medications with overlapping ingredients. Always check with your care team before taking multiple over-the-counter cough, cold, and flu medications to make sure they're safe for you to take together.
- Swallow guaifenesin ER tablets whole with a full glass of water. This will help to break up the mucus in your lungs. Don't crush, break, or chew the tablets since it can change how guaifenesin ER works.
- Store guaifenesin ER up and away and out of children's reach and sight. Always put medication away every time you use it. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing any medication that was left out. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed guaifenesin ER, call a Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.
- Don't give guaifenesin ER to a child under 12 years old. Check in with their pediatrician if guaifenesin IR is a good option for your child. Your child's healthcare team might also recommend home remedies, such as using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer at home.
Common questions about Guaifenesin ER
Don't crush, break, or chew guaifenesin ER tablets. If you have trouble swallowing, consider taking the guaifenesin oral liquid instead. Keep in mind that guaifenesin oral liquid is immediate-release, so it's typically taken every 4 hours as needed for chest congestion.
Both extended-release (ER) guaifenesin and immediate-release (IR) guaifenesin are taken by mouth to treat chest congestion. The main difference between them is how long the effects last. Guaifenesin ER is a longer-lasting medication so you can take it once every 12 hours. But the effects of guaifenesin IR don't last as long; this medication can be taken once every 4 hours. Another difference is who can take it. Guaifenesin ER contains a higher dose of the medication and should only be taken by people ages 12 years and older. Guaifenesin IR comes as an oral solution and the dose can be adjusted for children as young as 2 years old, if approved by their pediatrician. Ask your pharmacist if you have more questions about the differences between the two medications.
Whether you choose guaifenesin ER and guaifenesin IR depends on your need and personal preference. Both formulations of the medication are bioequivalent, which means they work similarly well to ease chest congestion. But you might consider guaifenesin ER if you want a medication that's longer lasting. This is because the effects of guaifenesin ER can last up to 12 hours, whereas the effects of guaifenesin IR might only last 4 hours. On the other hand, guaifenesin IR might be a better option if you're giving this medication to a child. Guaifenesin IR comes in an oral solution that can be given to children as young as 2 years old. But guaifenesin ER is for people ages 12 years and older. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether guaifenesin ER or guaifenesin IR is a better option for you.
There's limited research on how long it takes for guaifenesin ER to start working. The guaifenesin IR is thought to work after 15 to 30 minutes, but it's unclear whether this timeline also applies to guaifenesin ER. One study showed some people can feel a difference in their symptoms after taking guaifenesin ER for 4 days. But other studies suggest that people might not notice a difference in their cough after taking guaifenesin ER. Talk with your healthcare team if you're not sure whether this medication is working for you.
If needed, you can take guaifenesin ER by mouth every 12 hours as needed for chest congestion.
You should wait until you're fully recovered and no longer taking guaifenesin ER before drinking alcohol. While alcohol doesn't have known interactions with this medication, it's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're fighting off an illness like the cold or flu. This is because alcohol can weaken your immune system, which makes it harder for your body to recover.
Guaifenesin ER isn't known to affect your sleep. In fact, this medication is generally well-tolerated with very few side effects.
There's limited research on how guaifenesin ER might affect pregnancy. Speak with your gynecologist about the risks and benefits of taking guaifenesin ER for your cough during pregnancy. Although most studies found that this medication isn't likely to raise the risk of birth defects, some studies showed otherwise. Ask your gynecologist about safer options to relieve your cough if you're pregnant.
Guaifenesin ER doesn't have known interactions with ibuprofen (Advil). But keep in mind that ibuprofen (Advil) isn't a good option for everyone, especially for people who have heart risks and kidney problems. Before taking over-the-counter cold or flu medications, speak with your care team to make sure it's safe for you to do so.
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Risks and warnings for Guaifenesin ER
Guaifenesin ER can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Accidentally taking too much medication (overdose)
- Risk factors: Taking with other similar medications | Taking too many doses in a 24-hour period
Guaifenesin ER is an expectorant, which is found in many other over-the-counter products. Using more than one product containing the same ingredients can lead to an accidental overdose that can be dangerous.
If you're not sure whether you're taking a medication with guaifenesin in it, talk to your care team. To prevent an accidental overdose, follow the specific product instructions on the package carefully. If you think that you or your child might’ve accidentally taken too much guaifenesin ER, call a Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.
Guaifenesin ER dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600mg | 20 tablets | $6.21 | $0.31 |
| 1200mg | 14 tablets | $5.79 | $0.41 |
Typical dosage for Guaifenesin ER
Mucinex extended-release (ER), generic extended-release tablet
- Adults and children (age 12 and older): The typical dose is 600-1,200 mg by mouth every 12 hours. Don't take more than 2,400 mg in a 24-hour period.
- Children under age 12: Don't use.
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Interactions between Guaifenesin ER and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
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