Guaifenesin is a drug to treat cough with phlegm or relieve the buildup of phlegm in the respiratory tractn due to flu or acute bronchitis. This medicine is not used to relieve coughs caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Guaifenesin works by thinning phlegm, so that phlegm can be removed more easily from the respiratory tract. This drug is often combined with other drugs in cold and cough products.
Guaifenesin trademark: Allerin Expectorant, Anaconidine, Actifed Plus Expectorant, Benadryl Wet Cough, Bisolvon Extra, Codipront Cum Expectorant, Cohistan Expectorant, Comtusi, Dextrosin, Flutamol, Guaifenesin, Hufagripp Forte, Hufagripp Fu & Cough, Itrabat, Komix, Conidinextrin, Lapifed Exciprector Neo Pim-Tra-Col, Oroxin, Oskadryl Extra
What's thatGuaifenesin
| group | Over-the-counter and prescription drugs |
| Category | Expectorant |
| Benefit | Dilute phlegm |
| Consumed by | Adults and children aged 6 months |
| Guaifenesin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are 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 can be absorbed into breast milk or not. Talk to your doctor about using this medicine during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules, syrups and suspensions |
Warning Before Taking Guaifenesin
Before taking guaifenesin, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not take guaifenesin if you have an allergy to this drug.
- Consult your doctor before using guafenesin if you have asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, a long-standing cough with phlegm, liver disease, coughing up blood, or phenylketonuria (PKU).
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including supplements and herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking guaifenesin.
Dose and Rules of UseGuaifenesin
The following is a general dosage of guaifenesin based on the patient's age:
- Mature:200–400 mg, every 4 hours, or for slow-release tablets 600–1200 mg, every 12 hours. The maximum dose is 2,400 mg per day.
- Children aged 6–12 years: 100–200 mg, 4 times daily. The maximum dose is 400 mg per day.
This drug has not been shown to be safe for coughing in children under 6 years of age. Therefore, always consult with your doctor before giving guafenesin or any product containing this drug to children under 6 years of age.
How to Take Guaifenesin Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice or read the information on the medicine package before taking guaifenesin. This medicine can be taken before or after meals.
Do not split or chew guaifenesin tablets before swallowing, unless advised by your doctor. Swallow the medicine whole. It is recommended to drink plenty of water while taking this medicine to help loosen phlegm.
If using guaifenesin in syrup form, use the special measuring spoon that comes in the package. Do not use another spoon, as the dosage may be incorrect.
Take guaifenesin at the same time every day to get maximum results. If you forget to take this drug, it is advisable to do it immediately so you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
If your symptoms have not improved after 7 days of taking guaifenesin, see a doctor immediately. Store guaifenesin in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Interaction Guaifenesin with Other Drugs
Not yet known the exact interaction effect of the use of guaifenesin with other drugs. To be safe, always tell your doctor if you want to take any other medicines at the same time as guaifenesin.
Effect Samping and the Dangers of Guaifenesin
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking guaifenesin are:
- Dizzy
- Headache
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside immediately or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to drugs after taking guaifenesin.