Guaifenesin 100mg/5ml Liquid
It is used to thin mucus so it can be taken from the body by coughing.
Drug Class
Expectorant
Pharmacologic Class
Expectorant
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in your lungs and throat, making it easier to cough up. This can help relieve chest congestion caused by colds, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication Correctly
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow these steps:
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions carefully.
You can take your medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, take it with food to help minimize this side effect.
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.
When taking a liquid dose, measure it carefully using the measuring device that comes with your medication. If one is not provided, ask your pharmacist for a suitable device to measure your dose accurately.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To keep your medication safe and effective:
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom.
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult with your pharmacist. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you take your medication on a regular schedule:
Take a missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
If you take your medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow these steps:
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Read all the information provided with your medication and follow the instructions carefully.
You can take your medication with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, take it with food to help minimize this side effect.
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.
When taking a liquid dose, measure it carefully using the measuring device that comes with your medication. If one is not provided, ask your pharmacist for a suitable device to measure your dose accurately.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To keep your medication safe and effective:
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom.
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult with your pharmacist. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you take your medication on a regular schedule:
Take a missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
If you take your medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Drink plenty of fluids (e.g., water, juice) to help thin mucus and stay hydrated.
- Avoid irritants like smoke and dust.
- Use a humidifier to moisten the air.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
200 mg to 400 mg every 4 hours as needed
Dose Range:
200 - 400 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
maximumDailyDose:
2400 mg in 24 hours
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not recommended for children under 2 years of age without physician consultation.
Child:
2 to under 6 years: 50 mg to 100 mg every 4 hours as needed (Max 600 mg/24h); 6 to under 12 years: 100 mg to 200 mg every 4 hours as needed (Max 1200 mg/24h)
Adolescent:
12 years and older: 200 mg to 400 mg every 4 hours as needed (Max 2400 mg/24h)
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment recommended
Moderate:
No specific adjustment recommended
Severe:
Use with caution; monitor for adverse effects
Dialysis:
Not significantly removed by dialysis; use with caution
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment recommended
Moderate:
No specific adjustment recommended
Severe:
Use with caution; monitor for adverse effects
Confidence:
Medium
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by increasing the volume and decreasing the viscosity of secretions in the respiratory tract. This action helps to loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions, making coughs more productive and clearing airways.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Not available
Tmax:
Approximately 1 hour
FoodEffect:
Food may slightly delay absorption but does not significantly affect bioavailability.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not available
ProteinBinding:
Not available
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Approximately 1 hour
Clearance:
Not available
ExcretionRoute:
Renal
Unchanged:
Less than 10%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within 30 minutes
PeakEffect:
Approximately 1 hour
DurationOfAction:
Approximately 4-6 hours
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. Immediately contact your doctor or seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms, which may indicate a serious allergic reaction:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, with or without fever
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
- Unusual hoarseness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have side effects that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is available to provide medical advice about side effects.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. Immediately contact your doctor or seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms, which may indicate a serious allergic reaction:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, with or without fever
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
- Unusual hoarseness
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have side effects that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is available to provide medical advice about side effects.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Cough lasting more than 7 days or recurring
- Cough accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache
- Worsening symptoms
- New symptoms developing
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have a cough that produces a significant amount of mucus, a chronic cough caused by smoking or exposure to smoke, or lung conditions like asthma or emphysema.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all potential interactions with your doctor. Therefore, please inform your doctor and pharmacist about:
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
Any health problems you have, as they may affect the safety of taking this medication.
To ensure your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have a cough that produces a significant amount of mucus, a chronic cough caused by smoking or exposure to smoke, or lung conditions like asthma or emphysema.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all potential interactions with your doctor. Therefore, please inform your doctor and pharmacist about:
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
Any health problems you have, as they may affect the safety of taking this medication.
To ensure your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. It is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are following a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, consult with your doctor, as some formulations of this drug may contain sodium. Additionally, if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), discuss this with your doctor, as certain products may contain phenylalanine.
When considering administration to children, note that different brands of this medication may be approved for use in various age groups. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before giving this drug to a child to ensure the appropriate formulation and dosage are used.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. A discussion about the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby is necessary to make an informed decision.
When considering administration to children, note that different brands of this medication may be approved for use in various age groups. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with your doctor before giving this drug to a child to ensure the appropriate formulation and dosage are used.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. A discussion about the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby is necessary to make an informed decision.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Kidney stones (with very high, prolonged doses)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center (e.g., 1-800-222-1222). Treatment is generally supportive.
Drug Interactions
Minor Interactions
- Laboratory tests (e.g., 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid [5-HIAA], vanillylmandelic acid [VMA]) - Guaifenesin may cause false elevations in certain laboratory tests for urinary 5-HIAA and VMA. Discontinue guaifenesin at least 48 hours before collecting urine for these tests.
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Cough frequency and severity
- Sputum production and consistency
- Signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills)
- Breathing difficulty
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Guaifenesin is classified as Pregnancy Category C. While animal studies have not shown significant harm, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is generally considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks, especially after the first trimester. Consult a healthcare provider.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Use with caution; generally avoided unless clearly needed.
Second Trimester:
Generally considered safer for use if needed.
Third Trimester:
Generally considered safer for use if needed.
Lactation
Guaifenesin is excreted in breast milk in small amounts (Lactation Risk Category L3 - Moderately Safe). It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but observe the infant for any adverse effects like drowsiness or irritability. Consult a healthcare provider.
Infant Risk:
Low
Pediatric Use
Not recommended for children under 2 years of age without physician consultation. Dosing for older children should be based on age and weight, and strictly adhere to recommended dosages to avoid overdose. Always use pediatric-specific formulations and measuring devices.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustments are typically required for geriatric patients. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of medications and may have underlying renal or hepatic impairment, so use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Guaifenesin is most effective when taken with plenty of fluids to help thin mucus.
- It is an expectorant, meaning it helps you cough up mucus, not suppress the cough. If cough suppression is needed, a combination product might be considered.
- Do not use for chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema unless directed by a doctor.
- Always use an accurate measuring device (e.g., dosing cup, oral syringe) when administering liquid formulations, especially to children.
Alternative Therapies
- N-acetylcysteine (mucolytic, prescription)
- Hydration (non-pharmacological)
- Steam inhalation (non-pharmacological)
- Cough suppressants (e.g., dextromethorphan, codeine) for non-productive coughs
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 118-237 mL bottle
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Over-the-counter (OTC), generally not covered by prescription insurance unless prescribed by a physician.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.