Guaifenesin
Indications
Guaifenesin is used for:
As an expectorant for the symptomatic relief of acute productive (chesty) cough due to colds and minor upper respiratory infections.
The linctus is for the lubrication and relief of the sore throat and hoarseness, which may be associated with the cough
Adult Dose
By mouth
ADULT, 200–400 mg every 4 hours as needed; not to exceed 2400 mg a day.
NOTE:
To help loosen mucus in the lungs, patients should drink a glass of water after each dose
Avoid concurrent use with a cough suppressant
Child Dose
By mouth
CHILD (2–6 years): 50–100 mg every 4 hours as needed; not to exceed 600 mg a day;
CHILD (6–12 years): 100–200 mg every 4 hours as needed; not to exceed 1200 mg a day
NOTE:
To help loosen mucus in the lungs, patients should drink a glass of water after each dose
Avoid concurrent use with a cough suppressant
Renal Dose
Administration
For oral use.
To help loosen mucus in the lungs, patients should drink a glass of water after each dose
Contra Indications
Hypersensitivity to guaifenesin, bisulphites or any of the excipients.
Avoid concurrent use with a cough suppressant
Precautions
Acute porphyria.
Dosage for children under 2 years must be individualized
Pregnancy-Lactation
Recommendations on the use of Guaifenesin in Pregnancy & Lactation:
There have not been reports of significant association with adverse effects during pregnancy and lactation. If humidifier or vaporizer and hydration fail, a trial of guaifenesin may be considered (Briggs & Freeman, 2015; Schaefer et al., 2015). Note that guaifenesin is not recommended for chronic cough due to asthma and cigarette smoking.
Advise nursing mothers to avoid products with high alcohol content (LactMed 2006).
References:
1. Briggs, G. G., & Freeman, R. K. (2015). Drugs in pregnancy and lactation: A reference guide to fetal and neonatal risk (Tenth edition). Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health.
2. Schaefer, C., Peters, P., & Miller, R. K. (2015). Drugs During Pregnancy and Lactation: Treatment Options and Risk Assessment (Third Edition). Academic Press
Interactions
Avoid concurrent use with a cough suppressant
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Guaifenesin :
Nausea, vomiting; rarely, hypersensitivity reactions