What is the recommended dose of guaifenesin (expectorant) for a 6-year-old child?

Guaifenesin Dosing for a 6-Year-Old Child

For a 6-year-old child, the recommended dose of guaifenesin is 5 to 10 mL (100-200 mg) every 4 hours, not exceeding 6 doses in 24 hours. 1

Standard Dosing Guidelines

• The FDA-approved dosing for children 6 years to under 12 years is 5 to 10 mL (1 to 2 teaspoonfuls) every 4 hours, with a maximum of 6 doses per day. 1

• This translates to a dose range of 100-200 mg every 4 hours for this age group 1

• The total daily maximum should not exceed 1,200 mg (6 doses × 200 mg) in any 24-hour period 1

Practical Administration Considerations

• Immediate-release formulations require dosing every 4 hours to maintain therapeutic effect due to guaifenesin's short half-life 2, 3

• Extended-release formulations are available for adults and children 12 years and older, allowing 12-hourly dosing, but these are not FDA-approved for children under 12 years 1, 3

• Guaifenesin can be taken with or without food, though extended-release formulations (when age-appropriate) may have delayed absorption when taken with food 3

Clinical Efficacy Context

• Guaifenesin is indicated as an expectorant to loosen mucus and make coughs more productive in conditions with mucus hypersecretion 2

• The evidence for guaifenesin's efficacy in acute respiratory tract infections is limited—one high-quality study found no measurable effect on sputum volume or properties in acute RTI 4

• Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated more consistently in chronic respiratory conditions where mucus production is a stable symptom 2

Important Safety Considerations

• Guaifenesin has a well-established safety profile in pediatric populations with generally mild side effects 2

• For children under 2 years of age, a physician should be consulted before use 1

• Overdose can cause serious central nervous system depression, though this is rare with appropriate dosing 5