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molecule

Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin

Molecule Description

Guaifenesin is an ‘expectorant’ and is commonly used for relief of productive c

ough in children aged 6-12 years as a syrup and as a syrup or a tablet in adults.

uses

Uses of Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin

To relieve the symptoms of productive cough (expectorant) in children aged 6-12 years. Guaifenesin causes more cough, which will increase the secretion and elimination of sputum and mucus from the air...
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contraindications

Contraindications of Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin

When should one not use Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin

  • If you have an allergy to Guaifenesin
  • If your child is being given any other cough medicines
sideEffects

Side effects of Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Stomach pain or discomfort, loose motions, feeling sick (nausea), vomiting
  • Allergic skin reactions causing itching, rashes, redness, skin peeling and blisters
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin during pregnancy?
A:
The effect of this medicine on the fetus is not known, consult your doctor if you are pregnant, your doctor will tell you the use of this medicine after assessing the benefits over risks.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin while breastfeeding?
A:
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as no information is available on the use of this medicine if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will tell you on the use of this medicine after assessing the benefits over risks.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin?
A:
No information is available on the ability to drive or operate any machines. However, if you observe or experience any side effects, it is advised not to drive or use tools. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for further information.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin?
A:
No information is available on interactions of this medicine when taken with alcohol, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • You have any liver or kidney problems
  • You are suffering from a persistent cough or a cough that produces a lot of sputum
  • Asthma attacks
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin

How Does It Work?

In coughs producing sputum, the sputum is formed from secretions of the airways (mucus), causing a tight chest. Guaifenesin acts by drawing water into the airways and thinning down the mucus. This wil...
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interactions

Interactions of Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin

Interactions with other medicines

  • No known or concerns about any medicine interactions with Guaifenesin
  • It may interfere with specific blood tests
  • Inform your doctor if you are giving Guaifenesin to your child

Interactions with food items

Guaifenesin can be taken with or without food.
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin

Drinking plenty of fluids will make sputum thinner and can be coughed out easily.
dosage

Dosage of Guaiphenesin / Guaifenesin

Overdose

Unintentional overdose with Guaifenesin may not be harmful. Any symptoms such as stomach discomfort, feeling sick, or drowsiness should prompt medical attention. In case of intentional overdose, take ...
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Missed a Dose

If you miss any dose, take it as soon as you remember or continue with the next regular dose. Do not space two dosages closely or take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: What is an expectorant? Is Guaifenesin an effective expectorant?

  • An ‘expectorant’ is any medicine that expels the sputum (phlegm or mucus) from your airways to outside by way of cough
  • Productive or chesty cough (cough with sputum) results when secretions of the airways are increased due to viral or bacterial infections or dust, pollen, or other allergies. The secretions will mix wi...
    Read more
  • Guaifenesin is extracted from the bark of a tree called ‘guaiacum’ and is being used as a cough and cold remedy for hundreds of years
  • This medicine is proven to be safe and efficient for the treatment of cough associated with chest congestion

Q: What else should I know before using Guaifenesin?

  • If you are using Guaifenesin for children
  • Do not use more than four dosages in 24 hours
  • Do not use for more than 5 days without prescription
  • Inform the doctor immediately if you observe any side effects such as vomiting, stomach pain, high fever, rashes or headache or if you believe the medicine is not working properly
  • Never give Guaifenesin for more than prescribed amount or duration or with any other cough and cold medicines
  • The doctor should be informed if the patient has any liver or kidney problems
Last Updated on: 24 Dec 2020 | 01:48 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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