Drug Guide
Guaifenesin
Classification
Therapeutic: Expectorant
Pharmacological: Oral secretolytic agent
FDA Approved Indications
- Relief of chest congestion caused by colds, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections
Mechanism of Action
Guaifenesin increases the volume and decreases the viscosity of secretions in the respiratory tract, facilitating mucus clearance and cough productivity.
Dosage and Administration
Adult: 200-400 mg every 4 hours as needed; maximum 2.4 g per day
Pediatric: Age-dependent dosing; typically 100-200 mg every 4 hours for children 2-6 years, up to 400 mg every 4 hours for children 6-12 years; consult specific pediatric dosing guidelines
Geriatric: Use with caution, lower doses may be appropriate; consult specific guidelines
Renal Impairment: Use with caution; adjust dose as needed, monitor renal function
Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; adjust dose accordingly, no specific guidelines available
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Well absorbed from gastrointestinal tract
Distribution: Widely distributed, crosses the blood-brain barrier
Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism; primarily excreted unchanged in urine
Excretion: Excreted mainly unchanged in urine
Half Life: 1 hour
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to guaifenesin or any component of the formulation
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with chronic cough or cough associated with excessive mucus, as underlying cause should be diagnosed before therapy
Adverse Reactions - Common
- Nausea (Uncommon)
- Dizziness (Uncommon)
- Gastrointestinal upset (Uncommon)
Adverse Reactions - Serious
- Allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing) (Rare)
- Gagging or choking in some may occur (Rare)
Drug-Drug Interactions
- No significant known interactions, but caution with central nervous system depressants
Drug-Food Interactions
- None significant
Drug-Herb Interactions
- Limited data; consult specific herbal supplement interactions
Nursing Implications
Assessment: Assess nature of cough and mucus production; monitor for effectiveness and adverse reactions
Diagnoses:
- Impaired gas exchange related to mucus accumulation
- Ineffective airway clearance
Implementation: Administer with full glass of water; instruct patient to stay well-hydrated
Evaluation: Assess for reduction in symptoms, increased cough productivity, and any adverse reactions
Patient/Family Teaching
- Take as directed, with plenty of fluids
- Report any allergic reactions or persistent cough
- Do not use in combination with other cough or cold medicines without consulting healthcare provider
Special Considerations
Black Box Warnings: N/A
Genetic Factors: None identified specifically for guaifenesin
Lab Test Interference: None reported
Overdose Management
Signs/Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, confusion, diarrhea
Treatment: Supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and monitoring; activated charcoal may be considered if overdose is recent and severe
Storage and Handling
Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat
Stability: Stable for shelf life indicated on packaging