Acetaminophen/guaifenesin (By mouth)

Introduction:

Acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen), Guaifenesin (gwye-FEN-e-sin)

Treats minor aches and pains, headache, sore throat, and reduces fever. This medicine may also help loosen mucus in your lungs to make coughs more productive.

Brand Name(s):

Good Sense Chest Congestion Daytime, Tylenol Chest Congestion, Quality Choice Medifin CP, Theraflu Flu & Chest Congestion

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen or guaifenesin. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Packet, Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • This combination medicine contains acetaminophen (Tylenol(R)). Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using because they may also contain acetaminophen. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
  • Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the liquid with a medicine cup provided for this medicine.
  • Swallow the caplet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver and drinking alcohol may increase this risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take this medicine without asking your doctor.
  • Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine.
  • Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not also contain acetaminophen.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease. Tell your doctor if you have breathing problems such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or if you have cough that brings up a lot of phlegm (mucus). Also tell your doctor if you smoke or if you drink alcohol often.
  • Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you develop new symptoms such as redness or swelling. If you have been using this medicine for a fever and the fever lasts longer than 3 days, stop using the medicine and call your doctor.
  • Tell your doctor if you have a cough that lasts more than one week, that comes back often, or that happens with a fever, rash, or headache.
  • Do not give this medicine to a child under 12 years old unless your doctor tells you to.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
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