Guaifenesin

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Guaifenesin
Clinical data
Pronunciation/ɡwaɪˈfɛnɪsɪn/[1]
Trade namesMucinex, others
Other namesGlyceryl guaiacolate
AHFS/Drugs.comMonograph
MedlinePlusa682494
License data
Routes of
administration		By mouth
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Pharmacokinetic data
MetabolismKidney
Elimination half-life1–5 hours[3]
Identifiers
  • (RS)-3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propane-1,2-diol
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.[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.

generic medication and over the counter.[4][7] In 2021, it was the 288th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 600,000 prescriptions.[9][10]

Medical use

Guaifenesin is used to try to help with coughing up thick mucus, and is sometimes combined with the

antitussive (cough suppressant) dextromethorphan, such as in Mucinex DM or Robitussin DM.[11] It is also combined with ephedrine in Primatene and Bronkaid tablets for symptomatic relief of asthma
.

A

Cochrane review identified only three clinical trials assessing guaifenesin for the treatment of acute cough, with one finding significant benefit and the other two trials finding that it was not effective.[12]

Side effects

Although generally well-tolerated,

allergic reaction (rare), nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headache.[13][14]

Pharmacology

Mechanism of action

Guaifenesin is thought to act as an expectorant by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of secretions in the trachea and bronchi. It may aid in the flow of respiratory tract secretions, allowing ciliary movement to carry the loosened secretions upward toward the pharynx.[15] Thus, it may increase the efficiency of the cough reflex and facilitate removal of the secretions.

History

Similar medicines derived from the guaiac tree were in use as a generic remedy by American indigenous peoples when explorers reached North America in the 16th century. The Spanish encountered guaiacum wood "when they conquered Santo Domingo; it was soon brought back to Europe, where it acquired an immense reputation in the sixteenth century as a cure for syphilis and certain other diseases..."[16]

The 1955 edition of the Textbook of

sarsaparilla, which was formerly much used as an alternative in syphilis."[16]

In the US, guaifenesin was first approved by the

Reckitt Benckiser.[18][19] The drug is now sold over-the-counter by many companies, alone and in combination.[20]

Society and culture

Brand names

Guaifenesin is

decongestants such as ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylephrine.[14]

Economics

In 2014, sales of guaifenesin were estimated to be approximately $135 million per year in the United States.[6]

Veterinary use

Guaifenesin's neurological properties first became known in the late 1940s. Guaifenesin is a centrally acting muscle relaxant used routinely in large-animal veterinary surgery. Guaifenesin is used in combination with, for example, ketamine, since guaifenesin does not provide analgesia or produce unconsciousness.[21][22]

References

  1. ^ "Guaifenesin Definition & Meaning". Merriam-Webster.
  2. FDA
    . Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  3. PMID 8218524
    .
  4. ^ a b c d e "Guaifenesin: Monograph for Professionals". Drugs.com, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. 23 January 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  5. PMID 24003241
    .
  6. ^
    PMID 24789023
    .
  7. ^
    ISBN 9781250037206
    .
  8. 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.
  11. ^ "Guaifenesin DM". WebMD.com.
  12. PMID 25420096
    .
  13. ^ "Guaifenesin Side Effects". Drugs.com. 3 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  14. ^ a b c d "Guaifenesin". MedlinePlus, United States National Library of Medicine. 15 January 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  15. ^ Gutierrez, K. (2007). Pharmacotherapeutics: Clinical Reasoning in Primary Care. W.B. Saunders Co.
  16. ^ a b Wallis TE (1955). Textbook of Pharmacognosy.
  17. ^ "Drug Approval Package: Mucinex (Guaifenesin) NDA #21-282". accessdata.fda.gov. 25 November 2002. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
  18. ^ "Announcements RB Press release - 10/12/2007". Archived from the original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  19. ^ Goldstein J (25 May 2007). "FDA Bumps Phlegm-Fighters From Market". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  20. ^ "Guaifenesin (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  21. ^ Tranquilli WJ, Thurmon JC, Grimm KA, eds. (2007). "Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants". Lumb and Jones' Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (2nd ed.). Blackwell Publishing.
  22. PMID 23498047
    .

External links
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