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 cold, infections and allergies.
Guaifenesin Uses
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.
Cough and cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children less than 6 years of age. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details on the safe use of your product.
Guaifenesin is commonly found as part of combination over-the-counter cold and cough medications. Read the labels or consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold or cough medicine when taking guaifenesin.
Drink more fluids to help relieve congestion and lubricate your throat while taking this medicine. Guaifenesin medicine can impair your thinking or reactions.
Guaifenesin 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.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Guaifenesin side effects.
Precautions
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.
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.
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 the sort time and until the symptoms are clear up. Take Guaifenesin with foods if the medication upsets your stomach.
Measure the liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided or with 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 for helping to loosen the congestion and lubricate the throat.
Dosage
- 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.
Missed 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.
Overdose
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.
Warnings
This medicine contains guaifenesin. Avoid taking Mucinex, Bidex 400, or organising NR if you are allergic to this medicine contains 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.
Storage
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 if 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 travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take guaifenesin.
Guaifenesin 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:
|
Some of the serious side effects of Carbocisteine are:
|
