What is acetaminophen and guaifenesin?
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It is used to treat many conditions, such
as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It thins , increases the lubrication of your respiratory tract (lungs,
nose and throat), and improves the removal of .
Acetaminophen and guaifenesin are used to treat headache, aches and pains, fever, and chest
congestion caused by common cold or flu. It also loosens phlegm (mucus) in your chest to help you
breathe more easily.
Acetaminophen and guaifenesin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen and guaifenesin?
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three
alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able
to take acetaminophen.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take
this medication. Before you take acetaminophen and guaifenesin, tell your doctor if you have:
Do not use acetaminophen and guaifenesin to treat a cough that is caused by
smoking, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or other breathing problems.
It is not known whether acetaminophen and guaifenesin will harm an unborn baby. Do not
take acetaminophen and guaifenesin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.
This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years old.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.
How should I take acetaminophen and guaifenesin?
Take acetaminophen and guaifenesin exactly as directed. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Do not crush or chew the
caplet or dissolve it in water.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Increasing the amount of water you drink may
also help to loosen congestion.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this medication
can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per
dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver.
If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking
acetaminophen and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.
Do not take acetaminophen and guaifenesin for longer than 7 days in a row. Stop using the
medication and call your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days of use. Call your doctor if your
symptoms get worse, or if you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, any redness or swelling, or any new
symptoms.
Urine glucose tests may produce false results while you are taking acetaminophen. Talk to your
doctor if you are diabetic and you notice changes in your glucose levels during treatment.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of acetaminophen and guaifenesin?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as directed.
Do not
take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Where can I get more information about acetaminophen and guaifenesin?
Your pharmacist has information about acetaminophen and guaifenesin written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen and guaifenesin?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect
such as:
-
low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite;
-
dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
-
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen and guaifenesin?
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen
can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per
dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver.
If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking
acetaminophen and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.
Do not take any other cough, cold, allergy, or pain medicines without first asking your
doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as "APAP") and guaifenesin are
contained in many combination medicines. If you take certain products together you may accidentally
take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains
acetaminophen, APAP, or guaifenesin.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three
alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able
to take acetaminophen.
What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen and guaifenesin?
Do not take any other cough, cold, allergy, or pain medicines without first asking your
doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as "APAP") and guaifenesin are
contained in many combination medicines. If you take certain products together you may accidentally
take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains
acetaminophen, APAP, or guaifenesin.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver
damage while taking acetaminophen.
What other drugs will affect acetaminophen and guaifenesin?
There may be other drugs that can interact with acetaminophen and guaifenesin. Tell your
doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your
doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of acetaminophen and guaifenesin?