Guaifenesin
(Glyceryl guaiacolate)
Guaifenesin (Robitussin)
Glyceryl guaiacolate (Robitussin)
Guaifenesin
(gwye- FEN-eh-sin)
Pregnancy Category: C Allfen Anti-Tuss Balminil Expectorant Benylin-E Breonesin Fenesin Gee-Gee Genatuss GG-Cen Glyate Glycotuss Glytuss Guiatuss Halotussin Humibid L.A. Humibid Sprinkle Hytuss Hytuss-2X Mytussin Naldecon Senior EX Robitussin Scot-tussin Sinumist-SR Capsulets Touro EX Uni-tussin (OTC)

Classification: Expectorant

Action/Kinetics: May increase the output of fluid of the respiratory tract by reducing the viscosity and surface tension of respiratory secretions, thereby facilitating their expectoration. Data on efficacy are lacking.

Uses: Dry, nonproductive cough due to colds and minor upper respiratory tract infections when there is mucus in the respiratory tract.

Contraindications: Chronic cough (e.g., due to smoking, asthma, or emphysema), cough accompanied by excess secretions. Use in children under age 12 for persistent or chronic cough due to asthma or cough accompanied by excessive mucus (unless prescribed by a provider).

Special Concerns: Persistent cough may indicate a serious infection; thus, the provider should be consulted if cough lasts for more than 1 week, is recurring, or is accompanied by high fever, rash, or persistent headache.

Side Effects: GI: N&V, GI upset. CNS: Dizziness, headache. Dermatologic: Rash, urticaria.

Laboratory Test Alterations: False + urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Color interference with determination of urinary vanillylmandelic acid.

Overdose Management: Symptoms: N&V. Treatment: Treat symptomatically.

Drug Interactions: Inhibition of platelet adhesiveness by guaifenesin may result in bleeding tendencies.

How Supplied: Capsule: 200 mg; Capsule, Extended Release: 300 mg; Liquid: 100 mg/5 mL, 200 mg/5 mL; Syrup: 50 mg/5 mL, 100 mg/5 mL; Tablet: 100 mg, 200 mg; Tablet, Extended Release: 575 mg, 600 mg, 800 mg, 1000 mg, 1200 mg

Dosage
?Capsules, Tablets, Oral Liquid, Syrup Expectorant.
Adults and children over 12 years: 100-400 mg q 4 hr, not to exceed 2.4 g/day; pediatric, 6-12 years: 100-200 mg q 4 hr, not to exceed 1.2 g/day; pediatric, 2-6 years: 50-100 mg q 4 hr, not to exceed 600 mg/day. If less than 2 years of age, individualize the dosage.
?Sustained-Release Capsules, Sustained-Release Tablets Expectorant.
Adults and children over 12 years: 600-1,200 mg q 12 hr, not to exceed 2.4 g/day; pediatric, 6-12 years: 600 mg q 12 hr, not to exceed 1.2 g/day; pediatric, 2-6 years: 300 mg q 12 hr, not to exceed 600 mg/day. NOTE: The liquid dosage forms may be more suitable for children less than 6 years of age.