Drug Reference

Guaifenesin

Expectorants

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OTCPediatric caution

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Expectorants
Action class
Expectorant
Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

Allfen CXAllfen JrAmbifed CDAmbifed-G CDBidexBiotussinBronkaidBrontexCheratussinCough OutDiabetic Tussin EXDilaudid CoughHycofenixKids-Eeze Chest ReliefLiquibidLortuss EXM-Clear WCMar-cof CGMaxiphen CDXMucinexNinjacof XGObredonPrimatene with ephedrine & guaifenesinRefenesenRobafenRompe PechoScot-TussinSiltussinZodryl DEC

Available as

6 MG/ML · Oral Solution0.667 MG/ML · Oral Solution1 MG/ML · Oral Solution21.7 MG/ML · Oral Solution2 MG/ML · Oral Solution2.5 MG/ML · Oral Solution25 MG · Oral Tablet1 MG/ML · Oral Suspension10 MG · Oral Tablet20 MG/ML · Oral Solution10 MG · Oral Capsule250 MG · Oral Capsule200 MG · Oral Capsule400 MG · Oral Tablet4 MG/ML · Oral Solution190 MG · Oral Tablet15 MG · Oral Tablet5 MG/ML · Oral Solution3 MG/ML · Oral Solution325 MG · Oral Tablet0.4 MG/ML · Oral Solution60 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet50 MG/ML · Oral Solution1.6 MG/ML · Oral Solution

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
Uses Uses: temporarily relieves cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with a cold helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to drain bronchial tubes.
How to use / dosing
Directions Do not give more than 6 doses in any 24 hours period  shake well before use  measure only with dosing cup provided  keep dosing cup with product  mL = milliliter Age Dose Children 6 to under 12 years of age 5 mL every 4 hours Children 4 to under 6 years of age 2.5 mL every 4 hours Children under 4 years of age Do not use

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings Do not use in child who is taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric, or emotional condition, or Parkinson’s disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you do not know if your child’s prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before giving this product.

Pediatric use

Pediatric caution

OTC cough-and-cold products are not recommended for children <4 years (FDA) / <6 years (AAP) due to lack of efficacy and risk of serious adverse effects.

Source: FDA OTC cough/cold advisory; AAP guidance.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

262 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Authoritative sources

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.