1. Is Guaifenesin safe?
Yes, Guaifenesin is generally a safe oral expectorant. It is considered the first line of treatment for cough, as the side effects are very rare. No severe allergic reaction has been seen with the use of Guaifenesin if taken under the recommended dosage.
2. Is Guaifenesin safe for heart patients?
Guaifenesin is generally safe for heart patients. This drug is not known to elevate blood pressure. If an overdose of Guaifenesin is taken, it may cause severe effects on the heart and increase heart rate. For heart patients or any previous history of cardiac illness, take the drug under medical supervision.
3. Does Guaifenesin make you cough more?
Guaifenesin will not cause severe and frequent coughing but can cause your cough to be productive (cough with phlegm or mucus). The drug helps to thin the secretion from your lungs and loosen the mucus. This effect can result in a productive cough that aims to clear excessive secretions from the airways.
4. Does Guaifenesin keep you awake?
No, Guaifenesin usually does not keep you awake. But in some individuals, it is reported that it is harder for them to sleep after intake of Guaifenesin, which is not a common side effect of this drug. If you experience this, you are advised to take the recommended dose in the morning and early afternoon. Never take the dose too close to bedtime.
5. Is Guaifenesin safe for pregnancy?
Guaifenesin can be used during pregnancy if your doctor recommends it. But it should be avoided during the first trimester. Experts highly recommend that Guaifenesin formulation be alcohol-free and not be used too frequently by pregnant women.
6. When to take Guaifenesin for fertility?
The scientific study on Guaifenesin for fertility needs more validation. It is not clear that thinning of cervical mucus alone can make you fertile. So based on the theory, if you want to try Guaifenesin for fertility, you may start taking it just before you are due to ovulate. Get in touch with our medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals to learn more about Guaifenesin and fertility.
7. Who should not take Guaifenesin?
- Children under the age of 4
- People with persistent chronic cough due to tobacco smoking, asthma or emphysema
- People with chronic bronchitis or significant respiratory depression
- Guaifenesin can alter the urine laboratory test; discontinue its intake at least 48 hours before the collection of urine
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about whether or not to take Guaifenesin
8. Is it okay to take Guaifenesin every day?
Cough medicines are usually taken for a short time until your symptoms clear up. In patients with chronic respiratory symptoms or chronic bronchitis, Guaifenesin is advisable for long term use in a recommended dosage. This medicine has contributed to a rapid improvement in the symptoms.
However, always seek advice from a physician for long-term use. Regular visits to your doctor are necessary to screen for side effects.
9. Does Guaifenesin dry up mucus?
No, Guaifenesin does not dry up mucus; it only loosens or thins the mucus already present in the respiratory tract. It increases the volume of bronchial secretions and decreases the mucus viscosity. So this makes it easier to expel mucus or phlegm by coughing.
10. Is Guaifenesin bad for kidneys?
Guaifenesin is generally a safe cough medication to take in patients with kidney disease. However, it is essential to remember that you must take only the recommended dosage per day. If you are suffering from existing renal impairments, it is always advisable to seek a doctor's suggestion.
