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GENERIC NAME: POTASSIUM GUAIACOLSULFONATE/DECONGESTANT - ORAL

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Potassium guaiacolsulfonate is an expectorant used to help loosen and clear mucus. Decongestants help relieve a stuffy nose, promote sinus draining, and improve breathing. This combination medication is used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold, allergies, sinusitis, or bronchitis.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water. Do not increase the dose or take it more often or longer than prescribed. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days or if you develop a high fever, notify your doctor promptly.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, nervousness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: chest pain, rapid heart rate, shaking/tremor, trouble breathing, weakness, blurred vision, difficulty urinating. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe high blood pressure, severe heart/blood vessel disease (coronary artery disease). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems, high blood pressure, lung disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, glaucoma, problems urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate), any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.




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What is the common cold, and what causes it?

The common cold, also known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection, is a self-limited contagious illness that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. More than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause the common cold. Because so many different viruses can cause a cold and because new cold viruses constantly develop, the body never builds up resistance against all of them. For this reason, colds are a frequent and recurring problem. In fact, children in preschool and elementary school can have three to 12 colds per year while adolescents and adults typically have two to four colds per year. The common cold is the most frequently occurring illness in the world, and it is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work.

What are the symptoms of the common cold?

Symptoms of the common cold include nasal stuffiness or drainage, sor...

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