 |
 |
 |
|
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.
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 the lated 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; Reasons For Use
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 fybromyalgia 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 guafenesin carbomate 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.
Directions
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.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Guaifenesin can help with the following:
KEY | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Analgesic
Agent which relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Antitussive
Cough suppressant.
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, frequently accompanied by cough, hypersecretion of mucus, and expectoration of sputum. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infectious agent and of short duration. Chronic bronchitis, generally the result of smoking, may also be known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Emphysema.
Expectorant (Expectorants)
A substance that promotes the removal of mucous from the respiratory tract.
FDA
The (American) Food and Drug Administration. It is the official government agency that is responsible for ensuring that what we put into our bodies - particularly food and drugs - is safe and effective.
Fibromyalgia (FMS)
Originally named fibrositis, it is a mysteriously debilitating syndrome that attacks women more often than men. It is not physically damaging to the body in any way, but is characterized by the constant presence of widespread pain that often moves about the body. Fibromyalgia can be so severe that it is often incapacitating.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Mucus (Mucous)
The viscous, slippery substance that consists chiefly of mucin, water, cells, and inorganic salts and is secreted as a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.
Over-The-Counter (OTC, Over The Counter)
A drug or medication that can legally be bought without a doctor's prescription being required.
Phlegm
Mucus in the throat or bronchi.
Platelet Aggregation
Platelets are the small, rather uniform fragments of large bone marrow cells that aid the blood in coagulation, hemostasis, inflammation, and thrombus formation. Mild subclotting and sticking is a common early condition that can lead to thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and strokes, and can be helped by an aspirin a day, better fat digestion, and Ceanothus.
Red Blood Cell (Erythrocyte, Erythrocytes, RBC, Red Blood Cells)
Any of the hemoglobin-containing cells that carry oxygen to the tissues and are responsible for the red color of blood.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Striated Muscle (Skeletal Muscle, Voluntary Muscle)
The human body contains 2 types of muscle - smooth muscle and striated (skeletal) muscle. Striated muscle (striped when seen under the microscope) is the muscle that allows us to move our arms and legs and other body parts on purpose - that is, voluntary movement.
Last updated: Oct 08, 2008
|
 |
|
|
