Guaifenesin 100mg/5ml Oral Solution
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 airways, making it easier to cough up. This can help relieve chest congestion and make your cough more productive.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food, but if it causes stomach upset, take it with food. Drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.
When measuring liquid doses, use the measuring device that comes with the medication. If one is not provided, ask your pharmacist for a suitable measuring device to ensure accurate dosing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe 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 medications, consult your pharmacist, who may be aware of local drug take-back programs.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food, but if it causes stomach upset, take it with food. Drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.
When measuring liquid doses, use the measuring device that comes with the medication. If one is not provided, ask your pharmacist for a suitable measuring device to ensure accurate dosing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe 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 medications, consult your pharmacist, who may be aware of local drug take-back programs.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Drink plenty of fluids (e.g., water) to help thin mucus and improve the effectiveness of the medication.
- Avoid smoking, as it can irritate airways and worsen cough.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help soothe irritated airways.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
200-400 mg (10-20 mL) every 4 hours as needed
Dose Range:
200 - 400 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
maximumDailyDose:
2400 mg (120 mL) in 24 hours
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established (generally not recommended under 2 years without physician consultation)
Child:
6 to under 12 years: 100-200 mg (5-10 mL) every 4 hours as needed (Max 1200 mg/24 hours); 2 to under 6 years: 50-100 mg (2.5-5 mL) every 4 hours as needed (Max 600 mg/24 hours)
Adolescent:
12 years and older: 200-400 mg (10-20 mL) every 4 hours as needed (Max 2400 mg/24 hours)
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
Use with caution; monitor for fluid overload if significant renal impairment
Dialysis:
Not significantly dialyzable; no specific dose adjustment, but monitor fluid status
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No specific adjustment needed, but use with caution in severe liver disease due to potential for altered drug metabolism/excretion
Confidence:
Medium
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by increasing the volume and decreasing the viscosity of secretions in the trachea and bronchi. This facilitates the removal of tenacious sputum and reduces the frequency of coughing.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Well absorbed
Tmax:
Approximately 1 hour
FoodEffect:
Food may slightly delay absorption but does not significantly affect extent of absorption.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not extensively studied, but widely distributed
ProteinBinding:
Low (approximately 10%)
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Approximately 1 hour
Clearance:
Rapid
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (urine)
Unchanged:
Less than 1% excreted unchanged in urine
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within 30 minutes
PeakEffect:
Approximately 1 hour
DurationOfAction:
Approximately 4-6 hours
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Trouble 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 do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help.
Important Note
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Trouble 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 do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help.
Important Note
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Cough that lasts more than 7 days or comes back
- Cough accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache
- Worsening symptoms or new symptoms
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
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 respiratory conditions like asthma or emphysema.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all potential interactions with your doctor. To ensure your safety, please provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your complete medical history, including any health problems you have
Before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so. This will help prevent any potential interactions or adverse effects.
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 respiratory conditions like asthma or emphysema.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all potential interactions with your doctor. To ensure your safety, please provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your complete medical history, including any health problems you have
Before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of any medication, including this one, consult with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so. This will help prevent any potential interactions or adverse effects.
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 your doctor before taking this drug, as some formulations may contain sodium.
Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) should discuss this condition with their 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, consult your child's doctor before giving this drug to ensure the appropriate formulation and dosage are used.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
If you are following a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, consult your doctor before taking this drug, as some formulations may contain sodium.
Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) should discuss this condition with their 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, consult your child's doctor before giving this drug to ensure the appropriate formulation and dosage are used.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
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 (1-800-222-1222). Treatment is generally supportive.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Cough frequency and severity
- Sputum production and consistency
- Signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, worsening cough, discolored sputum)
- Hydration status
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Guaifenesin is generally considered to be of low risk during pregnancy, but it is classified as Pregnancy Category C. Use only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the potential risk. Consult a healthcare provider.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Limited data, but no clear evidence of teratogenicity. Use with caution.
Second Trimester:
Generally considered low risk.
Third Trimester:
Generally considered low risk.
Lactation
Guaifenesin is considered compatible with breastfeeding (L3 - Moderately safe). It is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. Monitor infant for potential drowsiness or gastrointestinal upset.
Infant Risk:
Low; potential for mild gastrointestinal upset or drowsiness in infant, but generally not expected with typical doses.
Pediatric Use
Not recommended for children under 2 years of age without consulting a healthcare professional. Dosing for children 2-12 years must be carefully measured and age-appropriate. Over-the-counter cough and cold products are not recommended for infants and young children due to potential for serious side effects.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is typically needed. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to drug effects and may have underlying conditions (e.g., renal impairment) that warrant caution. Monitor for adequate hydration.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Advise patients to drink plenty of water to maximize the expectorant effect of guaifenesin.
- Guaifenesin helps make coughs more productive; it does not suppress cough.
- Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache.
- Often found in combination products with decongestants or antitussives; ensure patients are aware of all active ingredients to avoid accidental overdose.
Alternative Therapies
- Hydration (primary non-pharmacological intervention)
- Humidifiers/vaporizers
- Saline nasal sprays/washes
- Honey (for cough relief in children over 1 year)
- Antitussives (e.g., dextromethorphan, codeine) for dry, non-productive coughs (different mechanism of action)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies widely, typically $5-$20 per 118-237 mL bottle
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 (generic OTC)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is 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 it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this 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 medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.