Chest Decongestant Example
Guaifenesin is the primary chest decongestant (expectorant) used to loosen and relieve chest congestion. 1
Key Distinction: Chest vs. Nasal Decongestants
It's critical to understand that "chest decongestants" are actually expectorants, not true decongestants:
- Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by thinning and loosening mucus in the chest, making coughs more productive 1
- Available as oral solution 100 mg/5 mL, marketed for loosening and relieving chest congestion 1
- This is fundamentally different from nasal decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, which work through vasoconstriction 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse chest expectorants with nasal decongestants:
- Nasal decongestants (pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline) target nasal blood vessel vasoconstriction to reduce mucosal edema in the nasal passages 2
- These medications do NOT effectively treat chest congestion or productive cough 2
- Pseudoephedrine is effective for nasal congestion in allergic and nonallergic rhinitis but is not indicated for chest congestion 2, 3
Clinical Context
When patients request a "chest decongestant," they typically mean:
- Guaifenesin for productive cough with thick mucus requiring expectoration 1
- The term "decongestant" in this context refers to clearing chest congestion through mucus thinning, not vasoconstriction 1