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Guaifenesin

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Active ingredient
Guaifenesin 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 2017
Label revision date
May 20, 2025
Drug Information (PDF)
Prescribing information, PDF file
Active ingredient
Guaifenesin 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 2017
Label revision date
May 20, 2025
Manufacturer
PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC
Registration number
ANDA209254
NDC root
41415-997
Drug Information (PDF)
Prescribing information, PDF file
Packaging Info
Packaging & NDC Codes

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 Extended-Release is a medication designed to help relieve chest congestion. It comes in a 1200 mg extended-release tablet form and acts as an expectorant, which means it helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions. This action makes it easier for you to clear mucus from your airways, leading to more productive coughs.

By thinning and loosening mucus, Guaifenesin Extended-Release can help you feel more comfortable when dealing with congestion. It is formulated for maximum strength and is comparable to the active ingredient found in Mucinex® Maximum Strength.

Uses

This medication is designed to help you breathe easier by loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions. By doing so, it makes it easier for you to clear out bothersome mucus from your bronchial passageways, which can lead to more productive coughs.

In addition to helping with mucus, this medication also provides relief from chest congestion, making it a useful option when you're feeling congested and need to clear your airways.

Dosage and Administration

When taking this medication, it's important to swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it, as this can affect how the medicine works. Make sure to take it with a full glass of water, and you can take it at any time, regardless of meals.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dose is one extended-release tablet every 12 hours. However, you should not take more than two tablets in a 24-hour period. If you are caring for a child under 12 years old, please do not use this medication for them. Always follow these guidelines to ensure safe and effective use.

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 avoid using this medication if you are under 12 years old. If you have a long-lasting cough due to smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or if your cough produces a lot of mucus, it's important to consult your doctor before using this product.

If your cough lasts more than 7 days, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, 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 old. Before taking 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 using the medication and contact your doctor, as these may be signs of 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 or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Signs of an overdose can vary, but they may include unusual drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

Do not wait for symptoms to worsen; getting prompt assistance can be vital. Always keep emergency contact information handy and be aware of the signs of overdose to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

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. If you are a parent or caregiver, please ensure that your child meets this age requirement before considering this treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of this medication for your child.

Geriatric Use

When it comes to using this medication in older adults, there is no specific information available about dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. This means that if you or a loved one is an older adult considering this medication, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help determine the best approach based on individual health needs and any other medications being taken. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare team to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that the information provided does not include specific guidelines for dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations related to renal impairment (kidney issues). This means that there are no tailored recommendations for how your treatment may need to change based on your kidney function.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that your treatment is safe and effective for your specific health needs. They can help determine the best approach for managing your condition while considering your kidney 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 may affect you 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 monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Drug Interactions

It's important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking. In this case, there are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions noted, which is a positive sign. However, every individual is different, and your healthcare provider can help ensure that your treatment plan is safe and effective for you.

Always discuss any new medications or tests with your healthcare provider to avoid potential issues and to get the best care tailored to your needs.

Storage and Handling

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

When handling the product, be sure to check the packaging carefully. It is important not to use the product if the carton is open or if the printed seal on the blister pack is broken or missing, as this indicates that the product may have been tampered with. Following these guidelines will help you use the product safely and effectively.

Additional Information

You should take this medication orally, with adults and children aged 12 and older advised to take one extended-release tablet every 12 hours. It's important not to exceed two extended-release tablets in a 24-hour period. If you are caring for a child under 12 years of age, do not use this medication for them.

FAQ

What is Guaifenesin Extended-Release?

Guaifenesin Extended-Release is a 1200 mg expectorant tablet that helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions.

How does Guaifenesin work?

It helps loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus, making coughs more productive.

What are the recommended dosages for adults and children over 12?

Adults and children 12 years of age and over should take 1 extended-release tablet every 12 hours, not exceeding 2 tablets in 24 hours.

Can children under 12 use Guaifenesin Extended-Release?

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

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

You should stop using the medication and ask a doctor if your cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache.

Are there any teratogenic effects associated with Guaifenesin?

No teratogenic effects are mentioned for Guaifenesin Extended-Release.

What precautions should I take before using this medication?

Ask a doctor before use if you have a persistent or chronic cough, such as from smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

How should I take Guaifenesin Extended-Release?

You should take the tablet with a full glass of water and do not crush, chew, or break it.

What should I do in case of an overdose?

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

Is there any specific storage requirement for this medication?

Store Guaifenesin Extended-Release between 68-77°F (20-25°C) and do not use if the carton is open or the seal on the blister is broken or missing.

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

Guaifenesin Extended-Release Tablets are formulated as a maximum strength expectorant, containing 1200 mg of guaifenesin per tablet. The product is designed for extended-release over a 12-hour period, effectively relieving chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus. The tablets are identified by NDC 41415-997-14 and are comparable to the active ingredient found in Mucinex® Maximum Strength.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the relief of chest congestion by helping to loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions. It facilitates the clearance of bothersome mucus from the bronchial passageways, thereby making coughs more productive.

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

Dosage and Administration

The extended-release tablet should be taken whole; it must not be crushed, chewed, or broken. It is recommended to administer the tablet with a full glass of water. This medication can be taken without regard to the timing of meals.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is one extended-release tablet every 12 hours. The total daily dosage should not exceed two extended-release tablets within a 24-hour period.

This medication is not indicated for use in children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.

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 in cases associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients experiencing a cough accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus) should seek medical advice before initiating treatment.

Patients must be 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, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt action is essential to ensure patient safety and appropriate management of overdose situations.

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 their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Patients should discontinue use and seek medical advice if their 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 no specific drug interactions identified in the available data. Additionally, no laboratory test interactions have been reported. Therefore, no dosage adjustments or monitoring recommendations are necessary at this time.

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. There is insufficient data to support its safety and efficacy in this age group. Therefore, healthcare professionals are advised to avoid prescribing this treatment to children younger than 12 years.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific information regarding the use of this medication, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any potential adverse effects or changes in efficacy, given the lack of targeted data for this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is important to assess the potential risks and benefits associated with its use during pregnancy and lactation. The safety of this medication in pregnant women has not been established, and therefore, caution is advised.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data regarding the excretion of this drug in human 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 available prescribing information. There are no dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or safety considerations outlined for individuals with reduced kidney function. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and consider the lack of data when prescribing to this patient population.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no established 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 available 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 expert guidance.

Prompt intervention is crucial in managing overdose situations effectively. Symptoms of overdose may vary depending on the substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and address any potential complications that may arise.

Management procedures should include a thorough evaluation of the patient's condition, monitoring vital signs, and providing supportive care as necessary. Depending on the specific circumstances of the overdose, additional medical interventions may be required to ensure patient safety and recovery.

Nonclinical Toxicology

If pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a health professional prior to use. No specific non-teratogenic effects have been identified in the available data. Additionally, there are no detailed findings regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the current information.

Postmarketing Experience

No postmarketing experience details are available in the insert text.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep the medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In the event of an overdose, patients should be instructed to seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

It is important to inform patients that this medication is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Patients should be counseled 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 a doctor before using the medication if they have a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Patients should also be advised to seek medical advice if their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a tamper-evident carton. It is essential to inspect the packaging prior to use; do not utilize the product if the carton is open or if the printed seal on the blister is broken or missing.

For optimal storage, the product should be maintained at a temperature range of 68-77°F (20-25°C). Proper adherence to these storage conditions is crucial to ensure the integrity and efficacy of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with the recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older being one extended-release tablet every 12 hours, not to exceed two extended-release tablets within a 24-hour period. It is contraindicated for use in children under 12 years of age.

No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

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.

Learn more in our Editorial Policy

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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.