From the Guidelines
For chest congestion and cough, the standard adult dosage of guaifenesin is 200-400 mg every 4 hours, not exceeding 2,400 mg in 24 hours, as supported by the most recent evidence 1. The dosage for children varies by age:
- Children aged 6-11 should take 100-200 mg every 4 hours (maximum 1,200 mg daily)
- Children 2-5 years old should take 50-100 mg every 4 hours (maximum 600 mg daily) Guaifenesin works as an expectorant by thinning mucus in the airways, making coughs more productive and helping clear congestion, as described in the study on cough suppressant and pharmacologic protussive therapy 1. Some key points to consider when using guaifenesin include:
- Take it with a full glass of water to enhance its mucus-thinning effects
- The medication is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations; extended-release tablets should be taken every 12 hours instead
- For best results, maintain adequate hydration while using guaifenesin
- If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, worsen, or are accompanied by fever, severe headache, or persistent cough, consult a healthcare provider as these may indicate a more serious condition requiring different treatment, as suggested by the clinical practice guideline on adult sinusitis 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Guaifenesin Oral Solution USP 100 mg/5 mL Guaifenesin Oral Solution USP is a red, raspberry flavored solution supplied in the following oral dosage forms: NDC 0121-0744-04: 4 fl oz (120 mL) bottle NDC 0121-0744-08: 8 fl oz (237 mL) bottle NDC 0121-0744-16: 16 fl oz (473 mL) bottle Delivers 15 mL NDC 0121-2232-15 G UAIFENESIN O RAL S OLUTION USP 300 mg/15 mL
The proper dosage and treatment regimen for Guaifenesin for chest congestion and cough is not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels. However, the labels do provide information on the available dosage forms and concentrations of Guaifenesin, including:
- 100 mg/5 mL oral solution 2
- 300 mg/15 mL oral solution 2 It is recommended to consult the insert or a healthcare professional for proper dosage and treatment instructions, as the provided information is not sufficient to determine a specific regimen.
From the Research
Dosage and Treatment Regimen for Guaifenesin
- The proper dosage for Guaifenesin is 200-400 mg every 4 hours, up to 6 times daily, as stated in the study 3.
- Extended-release guaifenesin tablet formulations are available, providing convenience with 12-hourly dosing, as mentioned in the study 3.
- A study on the safety and tolerability of extended-release Guaifenesin in patients with cough, thickened mucus, and chest congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection found that 1200 mg every 12 hours for 7 days was well tolerated and had a favorable safety profile 4.
Efficacy of Guaifenesin
- Guaifenesin has been shown to be effective in reducing mucus-related symptoms in acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and stable chronic bronchitis, as stated in the study 3.
- A case report found that daily use of guaifenesin/dextromethorphan improved lung function and quality of life in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 5.
- However, a study on the antitussive effect of guaifenesin in young adults with natural colds found no antitussive effect, but did find that guaifenesin reduced sputum thickness and quantity in patients with productive cough 6.
Safety Profile of Guaifenesin
- Guaifenesin has a well-established and favorable safety and tolerability profile in adult and pediatric populations, as stated in the study 3.
- A study on the safety and tolerability of extended-release Guaifenesin found that it was well tolerated and had a favorable safety profile in patients with cough, thickened mucus, and chest congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infection 4.
- However, a case report found that an overdose of guaifenesin can cause central nervous system depression and asystole, highlighting the importance of proper dosing and caution when using the medication 7.