Guaifenesin; Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate extended-release tablets

What is Guaifenesin; Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate?

GUAIFENESIN; POTASSIUM GUAIACOLSULFONATE (Humibid® LA) helps treat cough caused by colds or the flu. It loosens phlegm or mucus in the lungs. It is not intended to treat chronic cough caused by smoking, asthma, emphysema, heart failure, or problems in which there is a large amount of phlegm. Generic guaifenesin-potassium guaiacolsulfonate extended-release tablets are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Guaifenesin; Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• chronic bronchitis

• emphysema

• fever

• heart problems

• smoker

• an unusual reaction to guaifenesin; potassium guaiacolsulfonate, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take guaifenesin; potassium guaiacolsulfonate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets with only small amounts of water. Do not crush, bite, or chew the tablets. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Guaifenesin; potassium guaiacolsulfonate should not be given to children less than 12 years of age.

What if I miss a dose?

If you are taking guaifenesin; potassium guaiacolsulfonate on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Guaifenesin; Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate?

No interactions between guaifenesin; potassium guaiacolsulfonate and other medicines have been recorded.

Some medications can cause a cough such as ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, and others) which are used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure. Tell your doctor about all the prescription medications you are taking.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Guaifenesin; Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate?

Do not treat yourself for a cough for more than 1 week without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. If you also have a high fever, skin rash, continuing headache, or sore throat, ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Alcohol can make you more drowsy or dizzy; avoid alcoholic drinks.

Drink plenty of water while you are taking guaifenesin; this will help loosen the mucus.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Guaifenesin; Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare (more likely with excessive doses of guaifenesin):

• side pain or back pain that extends to the groin (signs of kidney stones)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

Uncommon:

• diarrhea

• drowsiness or dizziness

• headache

• nausea or vomiting

• stomach pain

• rash

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F) in a dry location. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.