What Type Of Drug Is Guaifenesin?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Guaifenesin is in a class of medications called

expectorants

. It works by thinning the mucus in the air passages to make it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways.

Is guaifenesin cough syrup?

Guaifenesin is used to treat coughs and congestion caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant

.

What is guaifenesin syrup?

GUAIFENESIN (gwye FEN e sin) is

an expectorant

. It helps to thin mucous and make coughs more productive. This medicine is used to treat coughs caused by colds or the flu. It is not intended to treat chronic cough caused by smoking, asthma, emphysema, or heart failure.

What does guaifenesin do to the body?

Guaifenesin is used

to help clear mucus or phlegm

(pronounced flem) from the chest when you have congestion from a cold or flu. It works by thinning the mucus or phlegm in the lungs. This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor’s prescription.

Does guaifenesin make you sleepy?

Common side effects of guaifenesin include:

Dizziness

.

Drowsiness

.

Is it OK to take guaifenesin everyday?

Guaifenesin has a well-established and favorable safety and tolerability profile in adult and pediatric populations. Its dosing range (

200–400 mg 4-hourly, up to 6× daily

) allows flexible dose titration to allow an increase of plasma concentrations.

What is the fastest way to get mucus out of your lungs?

  1. Warm fluids. Hot beverages can provide immediate and sustained relief from a mucus buildup in the chest. …
  2. Steam. Keeping the air moist can loosen mucus and reduce congestion and coughing. …
  3. Saltwater. …
  4. Honey. …
  5. Foods and herbs. …
  6. Essential oils. …
  7. Elevate the head. …
  8. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

Should you take guaifenesin at night?

Take OTC medications

You have two options for cough medicine here: dextromethorphan (a suppressant) or guaifenesin (an expectorant). Expectorants are better for breaking up wet, productive coughs, but

don’t take them near bedtime

.

Is guaifenesin good for dry cough?

The OTC expectorant drug is guaifenesin, with popular brand names including Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion. Combination medications are available that contain both cough expectorants and suppressants, and are often effective treatments to

alleviate symptoms of dry cough

.

Does guaifenesin raise blood pressure?

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

These medicines are not known to elevate blood pressure

.

Can guaifenesin help Covid 19?

Lozenges, cough drops, and over-the-counter medicines such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin and others) and guaifenesin (Mucinex and others) can help with the cough that often comes with

COVID-19

. Dextromethorphan could be the choice for the dry cough that COVID-19 is best known for; guaifenesin that for wetter coughs.

How many days can I take guaifenesin?

This medication is for temporary use only. Do not take this medication for

more than 7 days unless your doctor tells you

to do so. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts longer than 7 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

How long does it take for guaifenesin to work?

Response and effectiveness. Some effects of guaifenesin should be noticed

within 30 minutes

of taking it orally; however, up to two days of regular dosing may be needed before the full effects are seen. Liquid guaifenesin lasts for approximately four to six hours.

Is guaifenesin the same as Mucinex?

Introduction.

Robitussin

and Mucinex are two over-the-counter remedies for chest congestion. The active ingredient in Robitussin is dextromethorphan, while the active ingredient in Mucinex is guaifenesin. However, the DM version of each medicine contains both active ingredients.

Does guaifenesin make your heart race?

The pseudoephedrine in Mucinex D

can affect your heart

and increase your blood pressure. Symptoms of heart-related side effects include: increased heart rate.

How much guaifenesin can I take?

Doses of guaifenesin are usually taken 4 hourly as required, with a maximum of 4 doses in any 24 hour period. Do not take more than the amount recommended on the packaging of the medicine you have purchased. The maximum recommended adult dose of guaifenesin is a

total of 2400mg per day

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.