From the FDA Drug Label
G UAIFENESIN O RAL S OLUTION USP 200 mg/10 mL G UAIFENESIN O RAL S OLUTION USP 300 mg/15 mL Guaifenesin Oral Solution USP is a red, raspberry flavored solution supplied in the following oral dosage forms:
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Guaifenesin should be taken in doses of 200-400 mg every 4 hours for adults and children 12 years and older, not exceeding 2400 mg in 24 hours, as this dosing range allows for flexible dose titration and has been shown to be effective in loosening mucus and improving respiratory symptoms 1.
Key Considerations
- The medication is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations, with the extended-release versions (600-1200 mg) offering the convenience of twice-daily dosing 1.
- Guaifenesin works as an expectorant by thinning mucus in the airways, making coughs more productive and helping to clear congestion, although its effectiveness in acute respiratory tract infections has been questioned by some studies 2, 3.
- To maximize the effectiveness of guaifenesin, it is essential to take the medication with a full glass of water and increase overall fluid intake while using it.
- Side effects are generally mild but may include nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, and patients should consult a healthcare provider if their cough persists longer than 7 days, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache.
Dosing and Administration
- For children 6-11 years old, the recommended dose is 100-200 mg every 4 hours, with a maximum of 1200 mg daily.
- Guaifenesin has been shown to suppress mucin production in a dose-dependent manner at clinically relevant concentrations, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects 4.
- The role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic mucus hypersecretion associated with stable chronic bronchitis has been reviewed, highlighting its potential benefits in decreasing mucus hypersecretion and improving health-related quality of life 5.