'''Guaifenesin''' ({{IPA2|gwaɪˈfɛnəsɪn}}) ([[International Nonproprietary Name|INN]]) or '''guaiphenesin''' (former [[British Approved Name|BAN]]) is an [[expectorant]] [[medication|drug]] usually taken [[Wiktionary:oral|oral]]ly to assist the expectoration ("bringing up") of [[phlegm]] from the [[airway]]s in acute respiratory tract infections. Similar medicines derived from the [[guaiac|guaiac tree]] were in use as a generic remedy by Native Americans when explorers reached [[North America]] in the 1500s, but guaifenesin was first approved by the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) in 1952. It is sold as pills or syrups under several [[brand name]]s such as '''Guai-Aid''', '''GuaiLife''', '''Ethex 208''', '''Humibid''', '''Mucinex''', and '''[[Robitussin]]'''. It is also included in many over-the-counter cough and cold remedies.
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==Uses==
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===Treatment of asthma===
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Guaifenesin is effective in the treatment of the thickened bronchial mucosa characteristic of [[asthma]]. It works by drawing water into the [[bronchus|bronchi]]. The water both thins [[mucus]] and lubricates the airway, facilitating the removal of mucus by [[cough|coughing]]. One may notice a sense of [[dry mouth]] when taking this medication. Water consumption is important, not only to help with dry mouth, but also to improve the effectiveness of the drug.
===Treatment of coughing===
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Guaifenesin is frequently combined with [[dextromethorphan]], an [[antitussive]]. Under normal circumstances this combination leads to fewer, but more productive coughs. However, in the quantities consumed by [[Dextromethorphan#Recreational use|recreational users]] of dextromethorphan, it may cause nausea and vomiting, as well as the formation of stones in the urinary tract ([[urolithiasis]]). Moreover, because of concerns about illegal recreational drugs, the American [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]] has forced manufacturers of [[ephedrine]] to add guaifenesin to over the counter weight loss medications. <ref>{{cite paper | last = Riddle | first = David | year = 2005 | month = December | title = RE: Docket No. 1’976N-0052G RIN 09 lo-AFT33 Cold, Cough,, Allergy, Bronchodilator, and Antiasthmatic Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use; Proposed Amendment of the Tentative Final Monograph for Combination Drug Products | url = http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fda.gov%2FOHRMS%2FDOCKETS%2Fdockets%2F76n0052g%2F76n-0052G-c000234-01-vol35.pdf&ei=mowCR8LNFKbywwGhk7QZ&usg=AFQjCNEEmAM0FiM5rx3c6zOyrAgWXWVE6w&sig2=bamlI0gtVy6EKoJsjc2h5g | accessdate=2007-10-02}}</ref>
|brandNames=* ®<ref>{{Cite web | title = | url = }}</ref>
===Treatment of fibromyalgia===
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Because of its [[uricosuric]] effect, guaifenesin was chosen for the experimental [[guaifenesin protocol]] in the 1990s as a treatment for [[fibromyalgia]], and proponents of the guaifenesin protocol believe that it cures fibromyalgia by removing excess phosphate from the body. A lesser publicized and thus lesser known fact among fibromyalgia sufferers is that guaifenesin has a skeletal muscle relaxant property, and a form of guaifenesin known as guafenesin carbomate is used for this purpose[Citation needed]. This may explain some of the symptomatic relief experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers who take guaifenesin.
|lookAlike=* A® — B®<ref name="www.ismp.org">{{Cite web | last = | first = | title = http://www.ismp.org | url = http://www.ismp.org | publisher = | date = }}</ref>
===Muscle relaxant and inhibition of platelet aggregation===
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Guaifenesin also has other known neurological effects, including an analgesic effect that is related to its action as a skeletal [[muscle relaxant]], and it may [[Antiplatelet drug|inhibit platelet aggregation]]. Guaifenesin's neurological properties first became known in the late 1940s, and it is still used in [[veterinary]] medicine to anesthetize [[horses]] being prepared for surgery. When contrasted with other propanediol drugs used for this purpose, guaifenesin has less hemolytic activity (i.e., less destruction of red blood cells) and is more soluble in water.
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===Use by singers===
Opera singers sometimes refer to guaifenesin as the "wonder drug", for its ability to promote secondary mucosal secretion in the respiratory system. Secondary mucous is the thinner, lubricating mucus that occurs on your vocal chords naturally when they are healthy and well hydrated. Singers use guaifenesin to improve the state of their vocal folds in extremes of humidity (very humid or very dry), after flying long distances, and during mild allergies.
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==Further reading==
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==See also==
==External links==
*[http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/guaifen.htm RxList site giving some properties]
* {{MedlinePlusDrugInfo|medmaster|a682494}}
*[http://www.medicinenet.com/guaifenesin/article.htm Information from MedicineNet.com]
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Black Box Warning
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See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
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Overview
Guaifenesin is a that is FDA approved for the of . There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include .
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
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Guideline-Supported Use
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There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Guaifenesin in adult patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
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There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Guaifenesin in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
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There is limited information regarding FDA-Labeled Use of Guaifenesin in pediatric patients.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
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There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Guaifenesin in pediatric patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
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There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Guaifenesin in pediatric patients.
Contraindications
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See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
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Content
Description
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Description
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
There is limited information regarding Clinical Trial Experience of Guaifenesin in the drug label.
Body as a Whole
Cardiovascular
Digestive
Endocrine
Hematologic and Lymphatic
Metabolic and Nutritional
Musculoskeletal
Neurologic
Respiratory
Skin and Hypersensitivy Reactions
Special Senses
Urogenital
Miscellaneous
Postmarketing Experience
There is limited information regarding Postmarketing Experience of Guaifenesin in the drug label.
