What is guaifenesin used to treat?
It is used for prevention of bronchospasms. A patient is taking guaifenesin (Humibid) as part of treatment for a sinus infection. Which instruction will the nurse include during patient teaching?
How do you take guaifenesin?
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps thin and remove mucus from the airways. It is generally well tolerated. 5. Tips Guaifenesin does not need to be taken with food; however, it can be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Take exactly as directed by your doctor or on the label.
Is guaifenesin a cough expectorant?
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that increases the volume and reduces the viscosity (stickiness) of respiratory tract secretions. This makes coughing out these secretions easier. Guaifenesin belongs to the class of medicines known as cough expectorants.
How long does it take for guaifenesin to work?
Response and effectiveness Some effects of guaifenesin should be noticed within 30 minutes of taking it orally; however, up to two days of regular dosing may be needed before the full effects are seen. Liquid guaifenesin lasts for approximately four to six hours. Delayed-release capsules or tablets last for up to 12 hours.
What is the purpose of guaifenesin?
Guaifenesin is used to help clear mucus or phlegm (pronounced flem) from the chest when you have congestion from a cold or flu. It works by thinning the mucus or phlegm in the lungs. This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor's prescription.
What is the mechanism of action of guaifenesin?
Mechanism of Action Guaifenesin loosens and thins phlegm and bronchial secretions to ease expectoration. By reducing the viscosity and adhesiveness of secretions, guaifenesin increases the efficacy of the mucociliary mechanism in removing accumulated secretions from the upper and lower airway.
What type of medication is guaifenesin?
Guaifenesin is in a class of medications called expectorants. It works by thinning the mucus in the air passages to make it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways.
What is guaifenesin elixir?
This combination medication is used to relieve coughs caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. Guaifenesin belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.
What are the patient teaching for guaifenesin?
How should I take guaifenesin? Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up. Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child.
What should you assess before giving guaifenesin?
Assess the quantity and consistency of sputum to help document whether this drug is successful in reducing the viscosity of respiratory secretions.
Does guaifenesin work for sinus congestion?
Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier. Phenylephrine is a decongestant (sympathomimetic). It reduces nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose.
What are side effects of guaifenesin?
Guaifenesin side effects dizziness, headache; drowsiness; rash; or. nausea, vomiting, stomach upset.
What are the contraindications of guaifenesin?
Who should not take GUAIFENESIN DAC?overactive thyroid gland.diabetes.closed angle glaucoma.high blood pressure.significant uncontrolled high blood pressure.severe disease of the arteries of the heart.enlarged prostate.an inability to completely empty the bladder.More items...
Should I drink water with guaifenesin?
Drinking plenty of water while taking guaifenesin may help loosen mucus or phlegm in the lungs.
Why should guaifenesin be given with a full glass of water?
Swallow whole with a full glass of water. The empty tablet shell may be visible in the stool. Drink extra fluids while you are taking Mucinex as these will help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat.
How often can you take guaifenesin?
Doses of guaifenesin are usually taken 4 hourly as required, with a maximum of 4 doses in any 24 hour period. Do not take more than the amount recommended on the packaging of the medicine you have purchased. The maximum recommended adult dose of guaifenesin is a total of 2400mg per day.
What is expectorant used for?
Uses. This combination medication is used to temporarily treat symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other breathing illnesses (such as sinusitis, bronchitis ). The expectorant helps thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus.
Can you take acetaminophen with other medications?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much acetamino phen is safe to take. Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen without asking your doctor or pharmacist first. Acetaminophen is in many nonprescription and prescription medications (such as pain/fever drugs or cough -and-cold products).
What is Guaifenesin used for?
Usually used in combination with other ingredients. Use to relieve chest congestion that occurs as a result of a cold, the flu, or allergies. Makes a cough more productive.
How does Guaifenesin work?
How it works. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that increases the volume and reduces the viscosity (stickiness) of respiratory tract secretions. This makes coughing out these secretions easier. 2. Upsides. Guaifenesin is used as an expectorant (a substance that promotes mucus secretion in the airways).
How long does Guaifenesin last?
Some effects of guaifenesin should be noticed within 30 minutes of taking it orally; however, up to two days of regular dosing may be needed before the full effects are seen. Liquid guaifenesin lasts for approximately four to six hours. Delayed-release capsules or tablets last for up to 12 hours.
Can you chew Guaifenesin?
Do not open, crush, break, or chew guaifenesin delayed-release capsules or tablets because this may cause too much of the drug to be released at once. Drink extra fluids while you are taking guaifenesin to help loosen congestion and lubricate the throat.
Can you take Guaifenesin with food?
Guaifenesin does not need to be taken with food; however, it can be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Take exactly as directed by your doctor or on the label. Do not increase the dosage or take for longer than is recommended. Use a properly calibrated measuring spoon to measure liquid guaifenesin dosages.