Medication guide
Guaifenesin
- Generic name
- Guaifenesin
- Common brand names
- Mucinex, Robitussin Mucus + Chest Congestion
- Medication class
- Expectorant
Overview
Its medication class is Expectorant. Common uses include Helps loosen chest mucus for productive cough. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Oral cold/cough preparation.
- Time of day
- With symptomatic coughing episodes; maintain schedule while symptomatic.
- With food/water
- Take with water; syrup forms may be easier with food in sensitive stomach.
- Preparation
- Read age-specific formulation and use provided cups/spoons for liquids.
- Safe dose
- Start at lowest dose by age and label.
- Max dose
- Do not exceed labeled daily total.
- Frequency
- Typically every 4–6 hours; some forms every 8–12 hours.
- Other recommendations
- Avoid combination with other products containing same active, especially sedating ingredients.
Common uses
- Helps loosen chest mucus for productive cough
Common side effects
- Nausea
- vomiting
- stomach upset
- headache
- dizziness
- rash
- and constipation
Important warnings
- Use with hydration; avoid in severe asthma/COPD without evaluation. Persistent productive cough with fever, dyspnea, chest pain, blood in sputum, or symptoms >7 days requires medical review. Use cautious with other medicines containing guaifenesin and in children due to dosing errors.
General interactions information
Usually low; avoid multiple multi-symptom products containing guaifenesin
Sources / references
- Guaifenesin — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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