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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM › COUGH AND COLD PREPARATIONS › EXPECTORANTS, EXCL. COMBINATIONS WITH COUGH SUPPRESSANTS › Expectorants
guaifenesin
R05CA03
Forms & Strengths
- Oral Tablet: 200 mg, 400 mg
- Extended-Release Oral Tablet: 600 mg, 1200 mg
- Oral Syrup: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL
Adult Dosing
- Immediate-release: 200 mg to 400 mg orally every 4 hours as needed; maximum 2400 mg/day
- Extended-release: 600 mg to 1200 mg orally every 12 hours as needed; maximum 2400 mg/day
Pediatric Dosing
- Children 2 to 6 years (Immediate-release): 50 mg to 100 mg orally every 4 hours; maximum 600 mg/day
- Children 6 to 12 years (Immediate-release): 100 mg to 200 mg orally every 4 hours; maximum 1200 mg/day
- Children 12 years and older: Refer to adult dosing
Indications
- Temporary relief of coughs due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold
- Expectorant to help loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive
Mechanism of Action
- Acts as an expectorant by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of secretions in the trachea and bronchi
- Stimulates respiratory tract receptors to increase the output of respiratory tract fluid
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to guaifenesin or any component of the formulation
- Children under 2 years of age for over-the-counter cough and cold preparations
Adverse Reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Rash
Drug Interactions
- No clinically significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions have been widely documented
- May lead to false-elevation of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) in laboratory tests
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use