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Guaifenesin

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Active ingredient
Guaifenesin 600–1200 mg
Other brand names
Drug class
Expectorant
Dosage form
Tablet, Extended Release
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Pregnancy
See Pregnancy Use Section
Lactation
See Lactation Use Section
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2018
Label revision date
October 7, 2024
Drug Information (PDF)
Prescribing information, PDF file
Active ingredient
Guaifenesin 600–1200 mg
Other brand names
Drug class
Expectorant
Dosage form
Tablet, Extended Release
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Pregnancy
See Pregnancy Use Section
Lactation
See Lactation Use Section
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2018
Label revision date
October 7, 2024
Manufacturer
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Registration number
ANDA207342
NDC roots
65162-036, 65162-037
Drug Information (PDF)
Prescribing information, PDF file
Packaging Info (6 NDCs)
Packaging & NDC Codes (6)

If you are a healthcare professional or from the pharmaceutical industry please visit this version.

If you are a consumer or patient please visit this version.

Drug Overview

Guaifenesin is a medication that helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions. By doing so, it aids in clearing the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus, making coughs more productive. This can be particularly helpful when you're dealing with congestion from colds or respiratory infections, allowing you to breathe more easily.

Uses

This medication is designed to help you breathe easier by loosening phlegm (a type of mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions. By doing so, it helps clear out bothersome mucus from your bronchial passageways, making your coughs more productive. This can be particularly helpful if you're dealing with respiratory issues that involve excess mucus.

Rest assured, there are no known teratogenic effects (which means it doesn't cause birth defects) associated with this medication, making it a safer option for those concerned about such risks.

Dosage and Administration

When taking this medication, adults and children aged 12 years and older can choose between two dosage options. If you are using the 600 mg extended-release tablet, you can take 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours, but make sure not to exceed 4 tablets in a 24-hour period. If you opt for the 1200 mg extended-release tablet, take 1 tablet every 12 hours, with a maximum of 2 tablets in a day. It's important to note that this medication is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

To take the extended-release tablet correctly, swallow it whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this can affect how the medication works. You can take this medication at any time, regardless of your meal schedule, making it easier to fit into your daily routine.

What to Avoid

It's important to be aware of specific guidelines when considering this medication. You should not use it for children under 12 years of age, as it may not be safe for them.

Currently, there are no specified contraindications, controlled substance classifications, or noted risks of abuse, misuse, or dependence (a condition where your body becomes reliant on a substance). Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about using this medication.

Side Effects

You should be aware that this medication is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Before using it, consult your doctor if you have a persistent cough due to smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or if your cough is accompanied by excessive mucus.

If your cough lasts more than 7 days, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, you should stop using the medication and seek medical advice, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.

Warnings and Precautions

You should not use this medication if you are under 12 years of age. Before using it, consult your doctor if you have a long-lasting cough due to smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or if your cough is producing a lot of mucus.

If your cough lasts more than 7 days, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. In the event of an overdose, seek emergency medical help or call a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. You can contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. Signs of an overdose can vary, but they may include unusual drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

Always err on the side of caution—if you notice any concerning symptoms or if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to get help right away. Your health and safety are the top priority.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using this medication. They can provide guidance on whether it’s safe for you and your baby. Always prioritize your health and the health of your child by seeking expert advice.

Lactation Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication. This ensures that you understand any potential risks and can make informed decisions about your health and the health of your baby. Always prioritize open communication with your doctor regarding your breastfeeding journey.

Pediatric Use

It is important to note that this medication should not be used in children under 12 years of age. This applies to both the 600 mg and 1200 mg extended-release tablets. If you have a child in this age group, please consult your healthcare provider for alternative options that are safe and appropriate for their needs. Always prioritize your child's health and safety by following these guidelines.

Geriatric Use

While there are no specific guidelines or recommendations for older adults regarding this medication, it's always important to approach any new treatment with caution. Since the insert does not mention any dosage adjustments or safety concerns for elderly patients, you should still consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that this medication is appropriate for your individual health needs.

If you or a loved one is an older adult, discussing any potential risks or benefits with a doctor can help ensure safe and effective use of the medication. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare team to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication should be used if you have renal impairment (kidney issues).

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication you take is safe and appropriate for your health situation. They can help determine the best course of action based on your kidney function and overall health.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication should be used if you have hepatic impairment (liver issues).

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication you take is safe and appropriate for your liver health. They can help you understand how to manage your treatment effectively.

Drug Interactions

It's important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about any medications or tests you may be taking. While there are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions noted for this medication, your healthcare provider can help ensure that everything you are taking works well together and is safe for you. Always share your complete list of medications and any lab tests you undergo, as this helps in managing your health effectively.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best performance of your product, store it in a cool, dry place at a temperature between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). This temperature range helps maintain the product's effectiveness and safety.

When handling the product, be sure to do so with clean hands and in a sterile field (a clean area free from germs) to prevent contamination. Always follow any specific disposal instructions provided to ensure safe and responsible disposal of any components.

Additional Information

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 or 2 extended-release tablets taken every 12 hours, with a maximum of 4 tablets (600 mg) in a 24-hour period. Alternatively, you can take 1 extended-release tablet every 12 hours, but do not exceed 2 tablets (1200 mg) in a 24-hour period. Always follow these guidelines to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

FAQ

What is Guaifenesin used for?

Guaifenesin helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions, making coughs more productive.

What is the recommended dosage for adults and children over 12?

For 600 mg, take 1 or 2 extended-release tablets every 12 hours, not exceeding 4 tablets in 24 hours. For 1200 mg, take 1 tablet every 12 hours, not exceeding 2 tablets in 24 hours.

Can children under 12 use Guaifenesin?

No, Guaifenesin should not be used for children under 12 years of age.

How should I take Guaifenesin?

Take Guaifenesin with a full glass of water and do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet.

What should I do if my cough lasts more than 7 days?

Stop using Guaifenesin and ask a doctor if your cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache.

Is there any information on using Guaifenesin during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before using Guaifenesin.

What should I do in case of an overdose?

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Guaifenesin. Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Guaifenesin.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Guaifenesin, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Description

The product is available in two dosage forms: 600 mg and 1200 mg. Each dosage is packaged in a blister format, with corresponding blister cartons and labels. The 600 mg blister is contained within a 600 mg blister carton, while the 1200 mg blister is similarly packaged in a 1200 mg blister carton. Each carton is labeled accordingly to reflect the dosage strength.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the facilitation of mucus clearance in patients experiencing excessive bronchial secretions. It helps to loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions, thereby enhancing the productivity of coughs and aiding in the clearance of bothersome mucus from the bronchial passageways.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children 12 years of age and over may be prescribed 600 mg of the medication, with the recommended dosage being 1 or 2 extended-release tablets every 12 hours. The total daily dosage must not exceed 4 extended-release tablets within a 24-hour period. For those requiring a higher dosage of 1200 mg, the recommended administration is 1 extended-release tablet every 12 hours, with a maximum of 2 extended-release tablets in a 24-hour period.

It is important to note that this medication is not indicated for use in children under 12 years of age.

For proper administration, healthcare professionals should instruct patients to swallow the extended-release tablets whole, without crushing, chewing, or breaking them. The tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. This medication can be administered without regard to the timing of meals.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age due to safety concerns associated with this population. No other contraindications have been specified.

Warnings and Precautions

The use of this medication is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a physician prior to use if they have a persistent or chronic cough, particularly those associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients experiencing a cough that is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus) should seek medical advice before initiating treatment.

Patients are instructed to discontinue use and contact their healthcare provider if the cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache. These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt action is essential to ensure patient safety and appropriate management of the situation.

Side Effects

Patients should be aware of the potential adverse reactions associated with the use of this medication. It is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age. Prior to use, patients are advised to consult a healthcare professional if they have a persistent or chronic cough, such as that which occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or if the cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Patients should discontinue use and seek medical advice if the cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no specific drug interactions identified for the medication. Additionally, no interactions with laboratory tests have been reported. Therefore, no dosage adjustments or monitoring recommendations are necessary at this time. It is advisable for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and consult updated resources for any emerging data regarding potential interactions.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Guaifenesin. Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Guaifenesin.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should not be administered this medication, as it is contraindicated for this age group. This restriction applies to both the 600 mg and 1200 mg extended-release tablet formulations. There are no established safety or efficacy profiles for children in this age range.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific geriatric use information provided in the prescribing information for this medication. Consequently, there are no recommended age considerations, dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions for elderly patients mentioned in the text. Healthcare providers should exercise clinical judgment when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients, considering individual patient factors and overall health status. Regular monitoring may be warranted to ensure safety and efficacy in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully weighed, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to seek medical advice to ensure safe use during pregnancy and lactation.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the drug insert text regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment and monitoring of these patients.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this medication. Consequently, there are no dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the prescribing information.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Prompt intervention is crucial in managing overdose situations, and the appropriate medical response may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the substance involved. It is essential to monitor the patient closely for any potential symptoms that may arise as a result of the overdose, although specific symptoms are not detailed in the provided information.

Healthcare providers should ensure that they are prepared to implement standard overdose management protocols, which may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment as necessary.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the use of the compound in these contexts.

Postmarketing Experience

Reports of side effects have been received through voluntary submissions and surveillance programs. Patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any adverse events associated with the use of the product to the designated contact number provided.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. It is important to inform patients that this medication is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their cough persists for more than 7 days, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, as these symptoms may indicate a serious illness.

Additionally, healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult with a doctor prior to use if they have a persistent or chronic cough, particularly if it is associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Patients should also be advised to seek medical guidance if their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at a controlled temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) to maintain its efficacy and stability. Proper storage conditions should be ensured to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity.

Additional Clinical Information

Adults and children aged 12 years and over are advised to take 1 or 2 extended-release tablets every 12 hours, with a maximum of 4 extended-release tablets (600 mg) in a 24-hour period. Alternatively, patients may take 1 extended-release tablet every 12 hours, not exceeding 2 extended-release tablets (1200 mg) in 24 hours.

No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Guaifenesin, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Guaifenesin, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

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Primary FDA sources:

Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.