Guaifenesin

Generic name: Guaifenesin
Drug class: Expectorants

Usage of Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is an ingredient in cough and cold medicines that is used to help clear mucus or phlegm from your chest when you have had a cold or flu. Guaifenesin works by making your mucus thinner and easier to cough up, which helps clear chest congestion. Guaifenesin is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine and also available on prescription.

Guaifenesin is not FDA approved for treatment of fibromyalgia but some people take it off-label for this condition. In clinical studies guaifenesin has not shown to be effective for fibromyalgia.

Guaifenesin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to guaifenesin: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common guaifenesin side effects may include:

dizziness, headache;

drowsiness;

rash; or

nausea, vomiting, stomach upset.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Guaifenesin

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or phenylketonuria (PKU).

It is not known whether guaifenesin will harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether guaifenesin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Relate drugs

How to use Guaifenesin

Usual Adult Dose for Cough:

Immediate release formulation: 200 to 400 mg orally every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 2.4 g/day Sustained release formulation: 600 to 1200 mg orally every 12 hours, not to exceed 2.4 g/day

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough:

Immediate release formulation: less than 2 years: 12 mg/kg/day orally in 6 divided doses 2 to 5 years: 50 to 100 mg orally every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 600 mg/day 6 to 11 years: 100 to 200 mg orally every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 1.2 g/day 12 years or older: 200 to 400 mg orally every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 2.4 g/day Sustained release formulation: 2 to 5 years: 300 mg orally every 12 hours, not to exceed 600 mg/day 6 to 11 years: 600 mg orally every 12 hours, not to exceed 1.2 g/day 12 years or older: 600 to 1200 mg orally every 12 hours, not to exceed 2.4 g/day

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to guaifenesin.

Use this medicine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Guaifenesin is commonly found as part of over-the-counter combination medications for cold and cough. Read labels or ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, or cough medicine when taking guaifenesin.

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect Guaifenesin

Other drugs may interact with guaifenesin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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