Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin
Clinical data
Pronunciation/ɡwaɪˈfɛnɪsɪn/[1]
Trade namesMucinex, others
Other namesGlyceryl guaiacolate
AHFS/Drugs.comMonograph
MedlinePlusa682494
License data
Routes of
administration		By mouth
Drug classExpectorant
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Pharmacokinetic data
MetabolismKidney
Elimination half-life1–5 hours[3]
Identifiers
  • (RS)-3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propane-1,2-diol
CAS Number
PubChem CID
IUPHAR/BPS
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEMBL
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard100.002.021 Edit this at Wikidata
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC10H14O4
Molar mass198.218 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
ChiralityRacemic mixture
  • O(c1ccccc1OC)CC(O)CO
  • InChI=1S/C10H14O4/c1-13-9-4-2-3-5-10(9)14-7-8(12)6-11/h2-5,8,11-12H,6-7H2,1H3 checkY
  • Key:HSRJKNPTNIJEKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  (verify)

Guaifenesin, also known as glyceryl guaiacolate, is an expectorant medication taken by mouth and marketed as an aid to eliminate sputum from the respiratory tract. Chemically, it is an ether of guaiacol and glycerine. It may be used in combination with other medications.[4] A 2014 study found that guaifenesin has no effect on sputum production or clearance in upper respiratory infections (the upper respiratory system includes most breathing parts above the lungs).[5][6]

Side effects may include dizziness, sleepiness, skin rash, and nausea.[4] While it has not been properly studied in pregnancy, it appears to be safe.[7] It is believed to work by making airway secretions more liquid.[4]

Guaifenesin has been used medically since at least 1933.[8] It is available as a generic medication and over-the-counter (OTC).[4][7] In 2021, it was the 288th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 600,000 prescriptions.[9][10]

  1. ^ "Guaifenesin Definition & Meaning". Merriam-Webster.
  2. ^ "FDA-sourced list of all drugs with black box warnings (Use Download Full Results and View Query links.)". nctr-crs.fda.gov. FDA. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  3. ^ Aluri JB, Stavchansky S (1993). "Determination of guaifenesin in human plasma by liquid chromatography in the presence of pseudoephedrine". J Pharm Biomed Anal. 11 (9): 803–808. doi:10.1016/0731-7085(93)80072-9. PMID 8218524.
  4. ^ a b c d "Guaifenesin: Monograph for Professionals". Drugs.com, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. 23 January 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  5. ^ Hoffer-Schaefer A, Rozycki HJ, Yopp MA, Rubin BK (May 2014). "Guaifenesin has no effect on sputum volume or sputum properties in adolescents and adults with acute respiratory tract infections". Respiratory Care. 59 (5): 631–636. doi:10.4187/respcare.02640. PMID 24003241.
  6. ^ O'Connell OJ (May 2014). "Is extended-release guaifenesin no better than a placebo?". Respir Care. 59 (5): 788–9. doi:10.4187/respcare.03319. PMID 24789023.
  7. ^ a b Weiner CP, Rope K (2013). The Complete Guide to Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Everything You Need to Know to Make the Best Choices for You and Your Baby. St. Martin's Press. p. PT282. ISBN 9781250037206.
  8. ^ Riviere JE, Papich MG (2013). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. John Wiley & Sons. p. 287. ISBN 9781118685907.
  9. ^ "The Top 300 of 2021". ClinCalc. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Guaifenesin – Drug Usage Statistics". ClinCalc. Retrieved 14 January 2024.