Siltussin SA 100mg/5ml Syrup
It is used to thin mucus so it can be taken from the body by coughing.
Drug Class
Expectorant
Pharmacologic Class
Expectorant; Mucolytic agent
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps thin and loosen mucus in your lungs and airways, 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 measuring device.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the quality and safety of your medication:
Store it 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 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 the 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 measuring device.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the quality and safety of your medication:
Store it 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 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 the 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 improve the drug's effectiveness.
- Avoid smoking, which can irritate airways and worsen cough.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help soothe irritated airways.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
200 mg to 400 mg (10 mL to 20 mL of 100mg/5ml syrup) every 4 hours as needed
Dose Range:
200 - 400 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Maximum daily dose:
2400 mg (120 mL) in 24 hours
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established (generally not recommended for children under 2 years)
Child:
Children 6 to under 12 years: 100 mg to 200 mg (5 mL to 10 mL) every 4 hours as needed (Max 1200 mg/24 hours). Not recommended for children under 6 years unless directed by a doctor.
Adolescent:
Adolescents 12 years and older: Same as adult dose (200 mg to 400 mg every 4 hours, Max 2400 mg/24 hours)
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment recommended
Moderate:
No specific adjustment recommended
Severe:
Use with caution; monitor for adverse effects. No specific dose adjustment guidelines available.
Dialysis:
Not well studied; unlikely to be significantly removed by dialysis due to rapid metabolism and excretion. Use with caution.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment recommended
Moderate:
No specific adjustment recommended
Severe:
Use with caution; no specific dose adjustment guidelines available.
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:
Rapidly and well absorbed
Tmax:
Approximately 1 hour
FoodEffect:
Food may slightly delay absorption but does not significantly affect the extent of absorption.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not extensively studied, but widely distributed
ProteinBinding:
Not extensively protein bound
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Approximately 1 hour
Clearance:
Not readily available, but rapid
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (as inactive metabolites)
Unchanged:
<1%
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
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
* 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 persist, contact your doctor for guidance.
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult 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 can provide medical advice on managing side effects.
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
* 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 persist, contact your doctor for guidance.
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult 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 can provide medical advice on managing side effects.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Cough that lasts for more than 7 days or comes back
- Cough accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache
- Worsening symptoms or new symptoms develop
- Signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
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 your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.
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 your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.
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.
Additionally, if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a condition where the body cannot break down the amino acid phenylalanine, discuss this with your doctor, as some 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.
If you are following a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, consult your doctor before taking this drug, as some formulations may contain sodium.
Additionally, if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a condition where the body cannot break down the amino acid phenylalanine, discuss this with your doctor, as some 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.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Kidney stones (with very high, prolonged doses)
What to Do:
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center immediately (Call 1-800-222-1222 in the US) or seek emergency medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Cough frequency and severity
- Sputum production (amount, consistency, color)
- Respiratory effort
- Presence of fever or other signs of infection (if cough persists or worsens)
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. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Generally avoided in the first trimester if possible, though data on teratogenicity is limited.
Second Trimester:
Considered relatively safer than first trimester, but still use with caution.
Third Trimester:
Generally considered safe for short-term use, but always consult a healthcare provider.
Lactation
Guaifenesin is excreted into breast milk in small amounts (L3 - Moderately Safe). While adverse effects on breastfed infants are not commonly reported, caution is advised. Monitor the infant for drowsiness or irritability.
Infant Risk:
Low to moderate risk; monitor for potential effects.
Pediatric Use
Not recommended for children under 6 years of age unless directed by a doctor. For children 6-12 years, use pediatric-specific dosing. Always use an accurate measuring device.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is typically needed for elderly patients. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to adverse effects and should be monitored. Start with the lower end of the adult dosing range.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Guaifenesin is most effective when taken with adequate fluid intake to help thin mucus.
- It is an expectorant, not a cough suppressant. It helps you cough *more effectively* to clear mucus, rather than stopping the cough.
- Advise patients that if their cough persists for more than 7 days, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache, they should consult a healthcare professional.
- Over-the-counter cough and cold products, including those with guaifenesin, should be used with caution in young children, especially those under 6 years old, due to potential for serious side effects.
Alternative Therapies
- N-acetylcysteine (prescription mucolytic)
- Hypertonic saline nebulization (for specific conditions like cystic fibrosis)
- Hydration and humidification (non-pharmacological)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 118-237 mL bottle
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
OTC (Over-the-Counter), generally not covered by insurance unless prescribed or part of an FSA/HSA plan.
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 medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.