MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 9, 2010
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary Pet Health
Font Size
A
A
A


Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: guaifenesin

BRAND NAME: Humibid, Humibid LA, Robitussin, Organidin NR, Fenesin

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Guaifenesin is an expectorant, that is, a medication that promotes elimination of mucus from the lungs. The expectorant effects of guaifenesin promote elimination of mucous by thinning the mucous and lubricating the irritated respiratory tract. Guaifenesin is an ingredient in many over-the-counter cough and cold products. Guaifenesin was first approved by the FDA in 1952.

PRESCRIPTION: no

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Prescription forms include syrup (100 mg per teaspoonful); 200 mg tablets (200 Organidin NR); sustained release 300 mg capsules (Humibid); 600 mg sustained release tablets (Fenesin; Humibid LA). The only non-prescription form is a 600 mg extended release tablet (Mucinex).

STORAGE: Tablets, capsules, and syrup should be stored below 30°C (86°F). Do not refrigerate the liquid.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Guaifenesin is used for the treatment of cough associated with colds and minor upper respiratory tract infections.

DOSING: Guaifenesin may be taken with or without food. The sustained release tablets and capsules should be taken whole. They should not be broken or opened.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known drug interactions with guaifenesin.

PREGNANCY: Although one analysis found a correlation between guaifenesin use in the first trimester and an increased risk of hernia in the fetus, others found no increased risk of fetal malformations. Thus, guaifenesin should be used in pregnancy only if the physician feels that the potential benefits outweigh the potential and unknown risks.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if guaifenesin is secreted into breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of guaifenesin are uncommon. In doses higher than those typically used, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or drowsiness may occur.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information


Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2003




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
  • Acute Bronchitis - Learn about acute bronchitis symptoms such as cough with mucus, fever, chills, body aches, and lack of energy. Causes of acute bronchitis include viral or bacterial infections or chemical irritants.
  • Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.

Latest Medical News


Back to Medications Index


Women's Health

Find out what women really need.


Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain



Related Drugs - WebMD Health Network

guaifenesin, Humibid, Humibid LA, Robitussin, Organidin NR, Fenesin, Mucinex

What is an upper respiratory infection?

The upper respiratory tract includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. These structures direct the air we breath from the outside to the trachea and eventually to the lungs for respiration to take place.

An upper respiratory tract infection, or upper respiratory infection, is an infectious process of any of the components of the upper airway.

Infection of the specific areas of the upper respiratory tract can be named specifically. Examples of these may include rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal cavity), sinus infection (sinusitis or rhinosinusitis) - inflammation of the sinuses located around the nose, common cold (nasopharyngitis) - inflammation of the nares, pharynx, hypopharynx, uvula, and tonsils, pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx, uvula, and tonsils), epiglottitis (inflammation of the upper portion of the larynx or the epiglottis), laryngitis (inflammation of the ...

Read the Upper Respiratory Infection article »




Top 5
guaifenesin, Humibid, Humibid LA, Robitussin, Organidin NR, Fenesin, Mucinex Related Articles







Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Image Collection | Medical Dictionary | Pet Health

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Blood Pressure | Cancer | Chronic Pain | Cold & Flu | Diabetes | Digestion | Eyesight | Health & Living | Healthy Kids

Hearing & Ear | Heart | Infectious Disease | Men's Health | Mental Health | News & Views | Pregnancy | Sexual Health | Skin | Women's Health | More...

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Newsletters | RSS Feeds | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2010 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.