From the FDA Drug Label
Adults and children 12 years of age and over: 2 tsp (10 mL) every 4 hours, or as directed by a doctor. The typical guifenesin with codeine dosage for adults is 2 tsp (10 mL) every 4 hours, with a maximum of 6 doses in 24 hours 1.
- The dosage contains 10 mg of Codeine Phosphate and 100 mg of Guaifenesin per teaspoonful (5 mL) 1.
- Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours.
From the Research
The typical adult dosage for guaifenesin with codeine is 10 mL (containing 100 mg guaifenesin and 10 mg codeine phosphate) taken orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed, not to exceed 6 doses (60 mL) in 24 hours. This medication is prescribed for cough and congestion, with guaifenesin acting as an expectorant to thin mucus and codeine working as a cough suppressant. The dosing range of guaifenesin is supported by studies such as 2, which suggests a dosing range of 200-400 mg 4-hourly, up to 6 times daily. Before taking this medication, patients should be aware that it may cause drowsiness, constipation, and has potential for dependence due to the codeine component. It should not be used for more than 7 days unless directed by a healthcare provider. Those with respiratory conditions, liver disease, or who are taking other central nervous system depressants should use caution, as noted in studies such as 3 and 4. This medication is typically not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and patients should avoid alcohol while taking it. Always take this medication exactly as prescribed and use the measuring device provided with the medication for accurate dosing.
Some key points to consider when prescribing guaifenesin with codeine include:
- The medication should be used with caution in patients with respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and stable chronic bronchitis, as noted in studies such as 5 and 4.
- Patients should be aware of the potential for dependence and side effects such as drowsiness and constipation.
- The medication should not be used for more than 7 days unless directed by a healthcare provider.
- Patients should avoid alcohol while taking this medication and use caution when taking other central nervous system depressants.
Overall, the use of guaifenesin with codeine should be carefully considered and monitored in patients, particularly those with underlying respiratory conditions or taking other medications that may interact with codeine. As noted in 2, guaifenesin has a well-established and favorable safety and tolerability profile in adult and pediatric populations, but the codeine component requires careful consideration and monitoring.