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  Treating Yourself
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There is very little evidence that guaifenesin (the main mucous thinner) is of any value to people with sinus and nasal problems. Routinely adding this type of medicine in is likely to be more confusing than it is worth. Some patients and doctors love this stuff and believe that it is very helpful.
This ingredient is now available OTC as Mucinex® 600 mg tablets. If you want to see if a mucous thinner helps your symptoms, take 2 of these every 12 hours. That is a total of 2400 mg per day. The most common side effect is stomach upset.
The most likely thing to benefit would be a dry non productive cough, or a thick mucous that stick in your throat or chest.
I don't recommend this medicine often, but it is safe and generally well tolerated. The ingredient is included in many combination medicines, the prescription drug makers will adjust the amount of guaifenesin to make it just different enough that it can't be substituted. this is definately a marketing and financial decision, not a medical one.
You have very little to lose by taking this medicine, it is relatively inexpensive and safe. Be careful that it doesn't distract you from taking the more effective medicines.
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Treating a Cold
With OTC Meds
Treating Allergies
With OTC Meds
Treating Chronic
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Decongestants
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