You may purchase Guaifenex (guaifenesin/phenylephrine/phenylpropanolamine) cough medicine over the counter (OTC) to help clear congestion and mucus from a cold. This expectorant helps ease breathing by thinning out and lubricating phlegm. The decongestants phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine in Guaifenex constrict blood vessels to reduce swollen mucus membranes in your nose and sinuses. Besides these actions, the medication has a number of side effects.
Risk of Stroke
You may suffer a hemorrhagic stroke due to the phenylpropanolamine in Guaifenex. This bleeding into the brain and into the tissue around the brain present an increased risk for women, but can happen to men as well according to Drugs.com. The United States Food and Drug Administration also warns against using medications with phenylpropanolamine as a component. Although unlikely, the FDA states the chance of this serious side effect as more important than any good effect from this medication.
Stomach Aches, Nausea
You may suffer a stomachache or become nauseated when taking Guaifenex. Another side effect from using the medication is diarrhea according to Mayo Clinic staff. These stomach upsets don't prove as serious as the possibility of stroke and likely users will not require medical attention.
Dizziness, Headaches
Taking Guaifenex may cause you to become dizzy or have headaches. You may also feel restless, nervous or be unable to sleep, according to Drugs.com. You may also have difficulty urinating when taking this medication.
Skin Rash
Using Guaifenex can cause you to break out in a rash or hives. Mayo Clinic staff say this type of reaction probably won't need medical attention unless the side effects become severe.
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