Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin: Overview

Alternative names: Guaiphenesin.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant drug usually taken orally to assist the expectoration ("bringing up") of phlegm from the airways in cases of acute respiratory tract infection.

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History; Source

Similar medicines derived from the guaiac tree were in use as a generic remedy by local natives when explorers reached North America in the 1500s, but guaifenesin was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1952.

Guaifenesin's neurological properties first became known in the late 1940s, and it still used in veterinary medicine to anesthetize horses being prepped for surgery.  When contrasted with other propanediol drugs used for this purpose, guaifenesin causes less destruction of red blood cells and is more soluble in water.

Guaifenesin comes as a regular and extended-release (long-acting) tablet and capsule and liquid to take by mouth.  Guaifenesin comes alone and in combination with antihistamines, cough suppressants, and decongestants.  It is sold as pills or syrups under many brand names and is also included in many over-the-counter cough and cold remedies.

Guaifenesin is frequently combined with dextromethorphan, an antitussive.  Under normal circumstances this combination leads to fewer, but more productive coughs.

Function; Why it is Recommended

Guaifenesin thins the mucus in the air passages and makes it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways, allowing you to breathe more easily.  It relieves the coughs of colds, bronchitis, and other lung infections.

Guaifenesin thins the mucus in the air passages and makes it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways, allowing you to breathe more easily.  It relieves the coughs of colds, bronchitis, and other lung infections.

Guaifenesin was chosen for the experimental guaifenesin protocol in the 1990s as a treatment for fibromyalgia, and proponents of the guaifenesin protocol believe that it cures fibromyalgia by removing excess phosphate from the body.  A lesser publicized and thus lesser known fact among fibromyalgia sufferers is that guaifenesin has a skeletal muscle relaxant property, and a form of guaifenesin known as guaifenesin carbamate is used for this purpose.  This may explain some of the symptomatic relief experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers who take guaifenesin.

Guaifenesin also has other known neurological effects, including an analgesic effect that is related to its action as a skeletal muscle relaxant, and it may inhibit platelet aggregation.

Instructions

Do not break, crush, or chew extended-release tablets and do not open extended-release capsules: swallow them whole.  Drink plenty of fluid while taking this medication, unless your doctor has directed you to limit the amount of fluid you drink.  Water consumption is important, not only to help prevent dry mouth, but also to improve the effectiveness of the drug.

Side-Effects

Guaifenesin may cause side-effects including headache, upset stomach, or vomiting.  One may notice a sense of dry mouth when taking this medication.

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Guaifenesin:

Guaifenesin can help with the following:

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