Guaifenesin is a drug to treat cough with phlegm . This drug can relieve phlegm buildup in the respiratory tract due to colds, infections, or allergies. Guaifenesin can not be used to relieve coughs caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) .
Guaifenesin works by thinning phlegm, so that phlegm can be more easily removed from the respiratory tract. Many medicinal products containing guaifenesin are sold freely and are often combined with other cold and cough medicines.
Guaifenesin trademarks: Allerin Expectorant, Anakonidin, Actifed Plus Expectorant, Benadryl Wet Cough, Bisolvon Extra, Codipront Cum Expectorant, Cohistan Expectorant, Comtusi, Dextrosin, Flutamol, Guaifenesin, Hufagripp Forte, Hufagripp Flu & Cough, Itrabat, Komix , Konidin, Lapifed Expectorant, Mextril, Neo Pim-Tra-Kol, Oroxin, Oskadryl Extra
What is Guaifenesin
| class | Over-the-counter and prescription drugs |
| Category | expectorant |
| Benefit | Dilute phlegm |
| Consumed by | Adults and children aged ≥6 years |
| Guaifenesin for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether guaifenesin is absorbed into breast milk or not. However, nursing mothers should not use this drug without consulting a doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules, syrup and suspension |
Precautions Before Taking Guaifenesin
Pay attention to the following things before consuming guaifenesin:
- Do not take guaifenesin if you have an allergy to this drug.
- Consult a doctor before using guafenesin if you have asthma or COPD , a smoker's cough , a cough with a lot of phlegm , coughing up blood , liver disease , or kidney disease .
- Avoid using guaifenesin drug products that contain the artificial sweetener aspartame if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
- Do not immediately do activities that require alertness, such as driving, after taking guaifenesin. This drug may cause drowsiness in some people.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to avoid drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic drug reaction or overdose after taking guaifenesin
Dosage and Rules for Use of Guaifenesin
The following are the common dosages for guaifenesin based on the age of the patient:
- Adult: 200–400 mg, every 4 hours. For slow-release tablets, the dose is 600–1,200 mg, every 12 hours, up to 2,400 mg per day.
- Children 6–12 years: 100 mg 4 times daily. The maximum dose is 400 mg per day.
Guaifenesin has not been shown to be safe for treating coughs in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, consult a doctor before giving medicinal products containing guafenesin to children under 6 years of age.
How to Take Guaifenesin Properly
Follow the doctor 's advice or read the information on the guaifenesin packaging before starting to consume it. This medicine can be taken before or after meals.
Do not split or chew guaifenesin tablets before swallowing, unless your doctor advises you to. Swallow the entire medication whole. It is recommended to drink lots of water while taking this drug to help thin the phlegm.
If using guaifenesin in syrup or suspension form, use the special measuring spoon that comes in the package. Do not use another spoon, because the dose can be wrong.
Take guaifenesin at the same time every day for maximum results. If you forget to take this medicine, it is advisable to do it as soon as you remember. However, if the break with the next consumption schedule is near, ignore this dose and do not double the next dose.
If your symptoms haven't improved after 7 days of taking guaifenesin, see your doctor immediately.
Store guaifenesin in a dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.
Guaifenesin Interactions with Other Drugs
Guaifenesin interactions with other drugs are not known. Even so, it is possible that guaifenesin can interact with certain drugs or active ingredients.
Guaifenesin Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may occur after consuming guaifenesin are:
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Nauseous
- Vomit
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
Consult your doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or get worse. Immediately consult a doctor if an allergic reaction occurs after consuming guaifenesin.