Guaifenesin: A Complete Guide
What is Guaifenesin?
Guaifenesin is an expectorant. The medication helps to loosen the chest and throat which will make it easier for coughing out through the mouth. The medication is used for reducing chest congestion which is caused by common colds, infections and allergies.
Guaifenesin Uses
- Guaifenesin liquids treat cough and congestion caused by common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses.
- They are not intended for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems unless directed by a doctor.
- Works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways.
- Helps clear congestion and makes breathing easier.
- Not shown to be safe or effective in children under 6 years old.
- Some products (e.g., long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for children under 12 years old.Consult a doctor or pharmacist for safe use in children.
- Often found in cold and cough medications.Always read labels or consult a doctor/pharmacist before using other medications.
- Drink more fluids to help relieve congestion and lubricate your throat.
- Be aware that Guaifenesin can impair your thinking or reactions.
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Get A Second OpinionGuaifenesin Side Effects
- Allergic reaction
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble in breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- It is rare to experience a very serious allergic reaction to this drug.
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Guaifenesin if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it and get medical help immediately if you get any serious Guaifenesin side effects.
Precautions Before Taking Guaifenesin
Before taking the Guaifenesin, talk to the doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The medication contains some inactive ingredients which cause allergic reactions or any other serious problems. Before taking the medication talk to the doctor if you're having any medical history such as:
- Breathing problems
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Smoker's cough
- Cough with blood and large amounts of mucus.
How to take Guaifenesin?
Guaifenesin should be taken exactly as directed by the doctors. Avoid using Guaifenesin in larger or smaller amounts or for a longer period as per the recommendation. The cough medicines are usually taken for a short time and until the symptoms clear up. Take Guaifenesin with food if the medication upsets your stomach.
Measure the liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided or with a special measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you are having a dose-measuring device then ask the pharmacists for the one.
Avoid crushing, chewing or breaking the capsules. Swallow the whole capsule with a full glass of water without breaking or opening the pill. Drink extra water to loosen the congestion and lubricate the throat.
Guaifenesin Dosage Guidelines
- Brand Name: Mucinex, Bidex 400, Organidin NR
- Generic name: Guaifenesin
- Drug class: Expectorants
- Tablet: 200 to 400 mg
- Tablet extended- release: 600 mg, 1200 mg
- Oral Syrup: 100 mg/ 5 mL
- Liquid: 100 mg/ 5 mL
- Packet: 50 mg to 100 mg
Usual Adult Dosage for Cough
Immediate release formulation: 200 to 400 mg orally in every 4 hours as needed, the dosage should not exceed 2.4 g/day.
Sustained-release formulation: 600 to 1200 mg orally in every 12 hours which should not exceed 2.4 g/ day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough:
Immediate release formulation:
- Below 2 years of age: 12 mg/kg/day orally in 6 divided doses.
- 2-5 years of age: 50 to 100 mg orally in every 4 hours as needed which should not exceed 600 mg/ day.
- 6-11 years of age: 100 to 200 mg orally in every 4 hours as needed which should not exceed 1.2 g/ day.
- Above 12 years: 200 to 400 mg orally in every 4 hours as needed which should not exceed 2.4 g/ day.
Sustained-release formulation:
- 2-5 years: 300 mg orally in every 12 hours which should not exceed 600 mg/day
- 6-11 years: 600 mg orally in every 12 hours which should not exceed 1.2 g/ day.
- 12 years or above: 600 to 1200 mg orally in every 12 hours which should not exceed 2.4 g/day.
What to do if you miss a guaifenesin dose?
Missing one or two-dose of Guaifenesin won't show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won't work if you don't take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
How is a guaifenesin overdose diagnosed?
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Guaifenesin tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body's functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Interactions
The effects of some medicines can change if you take other medicines or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk of serious side effects or it can cause your medicines to not work properly. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or control interactions by changing the way you use your medications or by monitoring them closely. Guaifenesin is available in prescription and non-prescription products.
Important Precautions and Warnings
This medicine contains guaifenesin. Avoid taking Mucinex, Bidex 400, or organizing NR if you are allergic to this medicine containing guaifenesin or any other ingredients which are contained in this drug.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Use guaifenesin with caution during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Animal studies show risk and no human studies are available, or no animal or human studies were conducted.
- It is unknown whether guaifenesin is excreted in human milk; Use with caution if you are breastfeeding.
Guaifenesin Storage Instructions
- Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children's reach.
- Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
- Before taking guaifenesin consult your Doctor. In case you face any problems or get any side effects after taking guaifenesin, rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment.
- Carry your medications always in your bag while traveling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take guaifenesin.
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Book an AppointmentGuaifenesin vs Carbocisteine
| Guaifenesin | Carbocisteine |
|---|---|
| Guaifenesin is an expectorant. The medication helps to loosen the chest and throat which will make it easier for coughing out through the mouth. The medication is used for reducing chest congestion which is caused by common cold, infections and allergies. | Carbocisteine belongs to the drug class called Mucolytic. The medication helps in cough up phlegm. This works by making the phlegm less thick and sticky. |
| Guaifenesin liquids are used for treating cough and congestion that is caused due to the common cold, bronchitis and other breathing illness. Guaifenesin liquids are not used for the ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems unless the dosage is directed by the doctor. This medication works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion and making breathing more easier. | Carbocisteine helps in making the phlegm less thick and sticky. This helps in ease to cough up. The medication also helps to the knock-on effect of making it harder for germs to cause chest infections. |
Some of the serious side effects of Guaifenesin are:
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Some of the serious side effects of Carbocisteine are:
|
