Guaifenesin formulations

Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant in cough preparations

Formulations with guaifenesin provide symptomatic relief of a wet (productive) cough by facilitating the expectoration of bothersome mucus/phlegm from the respiratory tract.^1,2

Guaifenesin relieves a productive cough through multiple mechanisms

In vitro observation found guaifenesin possesses:

mucokinetic action (increases the effectiveness of coughing by decreasing the adhesion of mucus from the respiratory tract)^2,3
mucoregulatory action (moderates the secretion of mucus)^2,3
expectorant action (increases the water volume of sputum, thereby decreasing viscosity)^2,3

These combined pathways of action result in aiding mucociliary clearance and the symptomatic relief of a wet cough.^2,3

Guaifenesin helps relieve coughing during colds and flu affecting the upper respiratory tract¹

Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant to provide relief from a wet cough

Loosens phlegm

Guaifenesin helps loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus.^4,5

Thins sputum

Guaifenesin administration resulted in thinner sputum in patients with a dry or productive cough.^4,5
A randomised, double-blind study found that guaifenesin increases the expectoration of mucus out of the respiratory tract⁴

239 evaluable patients with moderate-to-severe cough due to a viral upper respiratory tract infection were treated with guaifenesin 100mg/5mL (n=118) or placebo (n=121).

Guaifenesin treatment resulted in the production of significantly thinner sputum and significantly facilitated the raising of sputum.⁴
A randomised, double-blind study found that guaifenesin facilitates improvements in cough intensity and disturbance⁴

239 evaluable patients with moderate-to-severe cough due to a viral upper respiratory tract infection were treated with guaifenesin 100mg/5mL (n=118) or placebo (n=121).

Guaifenesin was found to be effective in decreasing cough frequency and intensity in patients with a dry or productive cough.⁴
Side Effects

Adverse reactions previously reported with guaifenesin use include: anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, hypersensitivity, dyspnoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal discomfort, urticaria, and rash.¹