Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What Is Guaifenesin?

Guaifenesin is an oral expectorant that is used to treat coughs of common cold, allergies, or upper respiratory infection. It is the most readily available over-the-counter drug for cough. The drug acts by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, removing congestion, and makes breathing easier. It is available as tablets, granules or oral liquid formulation. Always drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine because fluids will help break up the mucus and clears the congestion.

What are the Uses of Guaifenesin?

The main uses of Guaifenesin include the following:

  • Treatment of wet cough or productive cough
  • Relieves cough caused by the common cold, infections or allergy
  • Relieves congestion in the chest, making it easier for mucus to cough out
  • Bronchitis and other breathing illnesses
  • It is also used in treating dry cough with the presence of mucus plugs

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    What are the Side Effects of Guaifenesin?

    Guaifenesin does not usually create many side effects with the recommended dosage. The side effects are as follows:

    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Diarrhoea
    • Abdominal pain
    • Drowsiness or dizziness
    • Shortness of breath
    • Headache
    • Rashes and hives over the skin
    • Swelling of the face, lip and tongue

    Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe allergic symptoms.

    Get in touch with our medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals to learn more about the uses, dosages and necessary precautions of Guaifenesin.

    What is Guaifenesin

    Uses of Guaifenesin

    Side effects of Guaifenesin

    References

    1. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/cmi/CoughandCold/Guaifenesin1.pdf
    2. https://mrmjournal.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s40248-017-0113-4.pdf
    3. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Guaifenesin
    4. https://www.worldwidejournals.com/international-journal-of-scientific-research-(IJSR)/recent_issues_pdf/2018/December/December_2018_1543845337__183.pdf

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Guaifenesin

    Yes, Guaifenesin is generally a safe oral expectorant. It is considered the first line of treatment for cough, as the side effects are very rare. No severe allergic reaction has been seen with the use of Guaifenesin if taken under the recommended dosage.

    Guaifenesin is generally safe for heart patients. This drug is not known to elevate blood pressure. If an overdose of Guaifenesin is taken, it may cause severe effects on the heart and increase heart rate. For heart patients or any previous history of cardiac illness, take the drug under medical supervision.

    Guaifenesin will not cause severe and frequent coughing but can cause your cough to be productive (cough with phlegm or mucus). The drug helps to thin the secretion from your lungs and loosen the mucus. This effect can result in a productive cough that aims to clear excessive secretions from the airways.

    No, Guaifenesin usually does not keep you awake. But in some individuals, it is reported that it is harder for them to sleep after intake of Guaifenesin, which is not a common side effect of this drug. If you experience this, you are advised to take the recommended dose in the morning and early afternoon. Never take the dose too close to bedtime.

    Guaifenesin can be used during pregnancy if your doctor recommends it. But it should be avoided during the first trimester. Experts highly recommend that Guaifenesin formulation be alcohol-free and not be used too frequently by pregnant women.

    The scientific study on Guaifenesin for fertility needs more validation. It is not clear that thinning of cervical mucus alone can make you fertile. So based on the theory, if you want to try Guaifenesin for fertility, you may start taking it just before you are due to ovulate. Get in touch with our medical experts at Yashoda Hospitals to learn more about Guaifenesin and fertility.

    • Children under the age of 4
    • People with persistent chronic cough due to tobacco smoking, asthma or emphysema
    • People with chronic bronchitis or significant respiratory depression
    • Guaifenesin can alter the urine laboratory test; discontinue its intake at least 48 hours before the collection of urine
    • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about whether or not to take Guaifenesin

    Cough medicines are usually taken for a short time until your symptoms clear up. In patients with chronic respiratory symptoms or chronic bronchitis, Guaifenesin is advisable for long term use in a recommended dosage. This medicine has contributed to a rapid improvement in the symptoms. However, always seek advice from a physician for long-term use. Regular visits to your doctor are necessary to screen for side effects.

    No, Guaifenesin does not dry up mucus; it only loosens or thins the mucus already present in the respiratory tract. It increases the volume of bronchial secretions and decreases the mucus viscosity. So this makes it easier to expel mucus or phlegm by coughing.

    Guaifenesin is generally a safe cough medication to take in patients with kidney disease. However, it is essential to remember that you must take only the recommended dosage per day. If you are suffering from existing renal impairments, it is always advisable to seek a doctor's suggestion.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Blukof Guaifenesin 50mg+terbutaline 1.25mg+ambroxol 15mg Syrup
    2. Alkof SF Guaifenesin 50mg+bromhexine 4mg+diphenhydramine 8mg Syrup
    3. Ascoril + Expectorant Bromhexine 2mg+guaifenesin 50mg+terbutaline 1.25mg+menthol 0.5mg Syrup
    4. Pulmoclear Acebrophylline 50mg+guaifenesin 50mg+terbutaline 1.25mg Syrup
    5. Respira Albuterol 2mg+bromhexine 8mg+guaifenesin 100mg Tablet