What is Guaifenesin syrup? Check side effects and uses

Guaifenesin syrup is one of the medicinal products that has received much attention in recent years. This syrup is prepared from the extract of plants and is produced as one of the herbal medicines in pharmacies and is used to relieve various diseases. The active principles of this syrup control and reduce various diseases and inflammations in the body, including coughs and colds. In the rest of the article, we will examine the uses, dosage and side effects of this product.

Pharmaceutical forms of guaifenesin

Chemical and herbal medicines are produced in different forms according to the needs of patients and doctors. The doctor selects and prescribes the desired form of medicine based on the patient’s need and dosage. Guaiafensin drug is available in various forms, such as regular tablets, oral syrup, liquid solution, and packaging. Note that each of these items is used for people of different ages. Among these cases, the syrup of this drug is very popular in the market.

Uses of guaiafensin syrup

This medicine is used for temporary relief of cough caused by cold, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. It should be noted, this product is not usually used for persistent cough caused by smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless prescribed by a doctor. Guaifenesin syrup is an expectorant drug and by increasing secretions on the surface of the throat, it reduces infection and cough. This medicine reduces your throat inflammation by thinning and loosening the mucus in the respiratory tract, clearing congestion and making breathing easier.

Uses of guaiafensine in adults

1. Reduce cough
2. Congestion due to colds
3. Help with respiratory diseases including bronchitis

Uses of guaifenesin in children

1. The dose and amount of guaiafensin used in children and infants are different. Note that you should avoid taking this medicine on your own.
2. Reducing cough and phlegm in the throat
3. Help with respiratory diseases

Tips regarding the use of guaiafensin

If you are taking this medicine without a doctor’s prescription and on your own, be sure to read the package instructions carefully before starting to make sure that you are not at risk. The use of this product in children under 12 years of age is not recommended unless specifically prescribed by a doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details on safe use of this product.

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of guaifenesin syrup

The mechanism of action of this syrup is through reducing the viscosity of secretions by increasing the amount of liquid in the respiratory tract and stimulating the gastric mucosa. This process causes a sharp increase in phlegm in the throat and cough, which results in the release of phlegm and reduction of inflammation. Guayafensine with a power of 30 minutes is absorbed in a period of 4 to 6 hours.

Dosage of guaifenesin syrup

Take guaifenesin syrup orally with or without food, according to the doctor’s prescription, usually 2 times a day in an appropriate amount (depending on the doctor’s prescription and your disease) with a full glass of water. Dosage varies greatly based on age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medicine more than the prescribed time, also do not chew the tablet of this medicine and take it with a glass of water. Because if you chew the pill, you may release all the medicine at once and increase the risk of side effects.

Time to take guaiafensin syrup

The time and amount of consumption should be prescribed according to the conditions of your disease and age, but we will explain the time and amount of guaiafensine for general use to you. This syrup is prescribed for adults (over 12 years) 400-100 mg every 4 hours, which should not exceed 2400 mg per day. Also, take 2 pills of this medicine a day (600 to 1200 mg) every 12 hours.

The amount and time of use of guaiafensin in children

1. In children from 6 months to 2 years, 25-50 mg per hour, which should not exceed 300 mg per day.
2. In children 2 to 6 years old, 50-100 mg every 4 hours, which should not exceed 600 mg per day.
3. In children from 6 to 12 years old, 100-200 mg every 4 hours, which should not exceed 2 grams per day.
4. Note that the above amounts are for general consumption, if you have a medical history or specific disease, do not use without a doctor’s prescription.

Precautions

If you have any medical history or are taking certain medications, be sure to let your doctor know when you visit. Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to guaifenesin or similar drugs. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. If you have symptoms such as respiratory problems (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, smoker’s cough), cough with blood or large amounts of mucus, be sure to consult your doctor.

Contraindications for the use of guaiafensin syrup

Most chemical and herbal medicines are contraindicated for some people. According to doctors, people who are hypersensitive should not take this medicine. If you take this medicine without a doctor’s prescription and on your own, if your condition does not improve, be sure to consult your doctor. As much as possible, avoid taking different medicines without a doctor’s prescription. Because you may unintentionally cause drug interactions that can threaten your health.

1. Never prescribe your medicine to someone with symptoms similar to yours.
2. Pregnant women must consult their doctor before taking it so as not to threaten their health and that of the fetus.
3. People who have excessive coughing up blood or phlegm should avoid taking it arbitrarily.
4. Elderly people and children should avoid excessive and unnecessary consumption, because for this group of people, the side effects are more than its benefits.

Side effects of guaifenesin syrup

The side effects of guaifenesin syrup are very limited, however, in some people we see nausea and vomiting or allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching or swelling (especially in the face, tongue and throat), severe dizziness, breathing problems. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. If your doctor has ordered you to use this medicine, it means that he has determined that its benefits for you are greater than the risk of side effects. Most people who use this drug do not have serious side effects, and very serious allergic reactions to this drug are very rare.

• dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Decreased uric acid levels
• Stomach ache
• nausea
• Vomit
• Headache
• urticaria

Drug interactions of guaiafensin syrup

In some cases, you may experience drug interactions or serious risks after taking any type of medication. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. It is better for patients to prepare a list of herbal and chemical medicines that they are already taking and show them to their doctor or pharmacist before going to the doctor. No dangerous drug interactions have been reported with this drug, but it is always best to consult a doctor.

Use of guaifenesin during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Excretion of guaiafensin syrup in human milk is not yet known, pregnant women or nursing mothers should use this drug with great caution. In general, controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk. Animal studies do not show any risk, nor are specific human studies available for this drug in pregnant women. If the benefits are greater than the risks, you can take it in the amount and dosage determined by the doctor. It should be noted that if the risk of this drug is lower than similar drugs, its use by a doctor will be permissible.

Guaifenesin precautions during pregnancy or breastfeeding

1. Pregnant women should avoid arbitrarily or indiscriminately taking any kind of medicine during pregnancy.
2. All drugs such as guaiafensine should be used in a specific dose and time according to the doctor’s prescription.
3. Although studies have not shown specific risks, different drugs have a direct effect on breast milk. So use with caution.
4. Pregnant women, when visiting the doctor, be sure to inform them if you are taking any special medicine.

Storage conditions for guaifenesin syrup

Guaifenesin syrup or tablets should be stored at room temperature and away from light and moisture. Note that all medicines should be kept out of the reach of children and animals. Dispose of this product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed. Also, avoid pouring it into the sewer and toilet.

The last word about guaifenesin syrup

In the conclusion of this article from Positive Green Online Pharmacy magazine, we can point out the importance and potential of guaifenesin syrup in reducing cold symptoms and relieving pain. Based on scientific research and research in the field of this drug, it can be said that doctors prescribe it to relieve all kinds of pains and colds in people. However, it should be kept in mind that all medicines have restrictions and contraindications for some people (such as the elderly, children, people with certain diseases). You can take this medicine with your doctor’s advice, keeping in mind your medical records and precautions.

Site source: Medscape

Frequently asked questions about guaiafensin