What is another name for guaifenesin?

Tusselon Perles Alternative Names

Tusselon Perles is the brand name for benzonatate, not guaifenesin—these are completely different medications with distinct mechanisms of action.

Clarification of Medication Identity

• Tusselon Perles is a brand name for benzonatate, a non-opioid cough suppressant that works by anesthetizing stretch receptors in the respiratory tract to suppress the cough reflex

• Guaifenesin (brand names include Mucinex, Robitussin) is an expectorant that works by increasing mucus volume and decreasing viscosity to facilitate expectoration 1, 2

Key Differences Between These Medications

Mechanism of Action:

• Benzonatate (Tusselon Perles) suppresses cough through local anesthetic action on respiratory stretch receptors
• Guaifenesin acts by stimulating the gastrointestinal tract to increase respiratory secretions, not through systemic absorption 3

Clinical Applications:

• Benzonatate is used purely for cough suppression
• Guaifenesin is used to loosen mucus and make coughs more productive, particularly in conditions with mucus hypersecretion 1, 2

Common Guaifenesin Brand Names

If you are looking for alternative names for guaifenesin specifically:

• Mucinex (extended-release formulation providing 12-hour dosing) 4
• Robitussin (immediate-release formulation requiring 4-hour dosing) 2, 5
• Generic guaifenesin (available in 200-400 mg doses) 1

Important Clinical Distinction

• These medications should not be confused as they serve opposite purposes: one suppresses cough while the other promotes productive cough 1, 2
• Combining a cough suppressant with guaifenesin is sometimes used for symptomatic management when cough is complicated by tenacious mucus 6, 7