Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
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: Tablet (extended release): 600, and 1200 mg
STORAGE: Tablets, capsules, and syrup should be stored below 30 C (86
F). The liquid should not be refrigerated.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Guaifenesin is used for the treatment of cough
associated with colds and minor upper respiratory tract infections in
individuals 12 years and older.
DOSING: Guaifenesin may be taken with or without food. The tablets
should be taken whole and should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. The
recommended dose is 600-1200 every 12h hours up to a maximum of 2.4 g per day.
Patients should consult a health care professional if symptoms last more than 7 days.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known
drug interactions with guaifenesin.
PREGNANCY: Although one analysis found a correlation between
guaifenesin use in the first trimester of pregnancy 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.
Bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system in which the bronchial passages become inflamed. There are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Symptoms of acute bronchitis include frequent cough with mucus, lack of energy, wheezing, and possible fever. Treatment may require medication such as bronchial inhalers and predinsone. Supportive treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms with fever reducers, cough suppressants, and rest. Treatment may be more aggressive in patients with pre-existing conditions such as empyema, COPD, or cigarette smoking.
An upper respiratory infection is a contagious infection of the structures of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. Common causes of an upper respiratory infection include bacteria and viruses such as rhinoviruses, group A streptococci, influenza, respiratory syncytial, whooping cough, diphtheria, and Epstein-Barre. Examples of symptoms of upper respiratory infection include sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and nasal congestion. Treatment of upper respiratory infection are generally with OTC medication and home remedies.
Chronic cough is a cough that does not go away and is generally a symptom of another disorder such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus infection, cigarette smoking, GERD, postnasal drip, bronchitis, pneumonia, medications, and less frequently tumors or other lung disease. Treatment of chronic cough is dependant upon the cause.
The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and maybe a fever. Antibiotics have no effect upon the common cold, and there is no evidence that zinc and vitamin C are effective treatments.
Chronic bronchitis is a cough that occurs daily with production of sputum that lasts for at least three months, two years in a row. Causes of chronic bronchitis include cigarette smoking, inhaled irritants, and underlying disease processes (such as asthma, or congestive heart failure). Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Treatments include bronchodilators and steroids. Complications of chronic bronchitis include COPD and emphysema.
Patients who have infrequent, mild bouts of asthma attacks may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat their asthma symptoms. OTC asthma medicines are limited to epinephrine and ephedrine. These OTC drugs are best used with the guidance of a physician, as there may be side effects and the drugs may not be very effective.
Bronchitis is a term that describes inflammation of the bronchial tubes
(bronchi and the smaller branches termed bronchioles) that results in excessive
secretions of mucus into the tubes with tissue swelling that may narrow or close
off bronchial tubes.
Chronic bronchitis is defined as a cough that occurs every day with sputum
production that lasts for at least 3 months, 2 years in a row.
The major cause of chronic bronchitis is cigarette smoking; other causes
are bronchial irritants, usually inhaled repeatedly by the affected person.
Ideally, people should seek medical care before chronic bronchitis
develops. People should seek care for tobacco addiction and the occasional
chronic cough (less than daily for 3 months) to potentially avoid developing
chronic bronchitis. Those with chronic bronchitis should seek care for severe
dyspnea, cyanosis, and fever immediately.
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