Guaifenex (guaifenesin) is an over-the-counter expectorant medication indicated to alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory congestion and cough caused by the common cold or other infections. This medication works by thinning the sticky mucous that can build up within your lungs due to infection, and helps the body rid itself of this mucous. If you have questions regarding the side effects of Guaifenex, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.
Upset Stomach
Side effects of Guaifenex are rare but can include upset stomach in certain patients, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. After taking a dose of this medication, you can experience mild nausea or diarrhea, which can occur in conjunction with abdominal cramping, bloating or discomfort. If these side effects are bothersome, consider eating a small snack or meal before taking this medication to help prevent stomach upset symptoms from emerging.
Headache or Dizziness
While receiving treatment with Guaifenex, you can develop a headache or sensations of dizziness as side effects, warn medical professionals at The Mayo Clinic. Headache symptoms are typically mild but can reoccur with continued use of this medication. Episodes of dizziness can affect your ability to stand or walk normally. If you experience lightheadedness or dizziness while taking Guaifenex, remain seated until such sensations resolve in order to prevent injury from falling or tripping. Certain patients also experience dizziness or headache in conjunction with upset stomach symptoms.
Sleeping Difficulties
Guaifenex can cause side effects of restlessness or anxiety in certain patients. If you experience these side effects, you may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. This can cause you to develop excessive daytime sleepiness, which can interfere with your productivity at work or school. Sleeping difficulties can exacerbate headache symptoms and can lead to irritability in certain patients, explains PDR Health, a health and drug information website provided by the publishers of the Physicians' Desktop Reference.
Allergic Reaction
Though severe reactions to Guaifenex are rare, symptoms of an allergic reaction can arise in patients who are allergic to the active ingredients in this medication. Side effects of an allergic reaction include breathing difficulties, skin rash, headache, facial swelling and heartbeat irregularities, reports Drugs.com. Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of these potentially life-threatening side effects while taking Guaifenex.
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