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Guaifenesin

Generic Name
Guaifenesin
Brand Names
Broncotron, Bronkaid, Cheracol D, Cheratussin, Cheratussin Dac, Codar Gf, Coricidin Hbp Chest Congestion, DM, Deconex, Delsym Cough Plus Chest Congestion DM, Despec Reformulated Jun 2008, Diabetic Tussin DM, Diabetic Tussin EX, Diphen, Entex Lq, Entex T, G-zyncof, Gilphex, M-clear Wc, Mar-cof Cg, Mucinex, Mucinex Children's Cough, Mucinex Cough, Mucinex D, Mucinex DM, Mucinex Stuffy Nose & Cold, Ninjacof Xg, Obredon, Pediacare Children's Cough and Congestion, Refenesen, Refenesen PE, Rescon-GG, Robafen, Robafen DM, Robitussin Chest Congestion, Robitussin Cough & Congestion, Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough Plus Chest Congestion DM, Safetussin DM, Scot-tussin, Scot-tussin DM, Siltussin, Tusnel C, Tusnel Diabetic
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C10H14O4
CAS Number
93-14-1
Unique Ingredient Identifier
495W7451VQ
Background

Guaifenesin possesses a storied history, having been originally formally approved by the US FDA in 1952 and continues to be one of very few - if not perhaps the only drug that is readily available and used as an expectorant . Since that time the agent has been a combination component of various prescription and non-prescription over-the-counter cough and cold products and is currently a widely available over-the-counter generic medication . Although it is principally believed that guaifenesin elicits an action to facilitate productive cough to manage chest congestion , it is not known whether the agent can reliably mitigate coughing.

Regardless, on March 1, 2007, the FDA received a petition asking the FDA to notify the public that some antitussives, expectorants, decongestants, antihistamines, and cough/cold combinations are not known to be safe and effective in children under the age of 6 years . After the negotiation between FDA and major manufacturers, a voluntary transition of labels for not using guaifenesin in children under the age of 4 years was endorsed by FDA in 2008 .

Furthermore, there has also been contemporary research to suggest that guaifenesin possesses and is capable of demonstrating anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects to some degree possibly by acting as an NMDA receptor antagonist .

Indication

Guaifenesin is an expectorant that is indicated for providing temporary symptomatic relief from congested chests and coughs which may be due to a cold, bronchitis, and/or other breathing illnesses .

Associated Conditions
Allergic Reaction, Allergy to Tree Pollen, Asthma, Asthma, Allergic, Bronchial Asthma, Bronchitis, Bronchospasm, Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Common Cold, Cough, Cough caused by Common Cold, Coughing caused by Allergies, Coughing caused by Flu caused by Influenza, Drug Allergy, Emphysema, Fever, Flu caused by Influenza, Food Allergy, Headache, House dust allergy, Irritative cough, Laryngitis, Nasal Congestion, Nasal Congestion caused by Common Cold, Phlegm, Productive cough, Rash, Rhinorrhoea, Sneezing, Sore Throat, Tracheitis, Urticaria, Whooping Cough, Acute Rhinitis, Chest congestion, Chills occurring with fever, Dry cough, Excess mucus or phlegm, Mild to moderate pain, Minor aches and pains
Associated Therapies
Airway secretion clearance therapy, Expectorant
Clinical Trials
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