From the FDA Drug Label
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. The FDA drug label does not provide a direct answer to the question of whether Mucinex (Guaifenesin) is safe during pregnancy, but it does advise to ask a health professional before use if pregnant or breast-feeding 1.
From the Research
Safety of Mucinex (Guaifenesin) during Pregnancy
- The safety of Mucinex (Guaifenesin) during pregnancy is a topic of interest, with various studies providing insights into its use and effects.
- A study published in 2005 2 found that guaifenesin was used by pregnant women, but the study did not specifically examine its safety during pregnancy.
- However, a study published in 2016 3 investigated the developmental toxicity of guaifenesin in pregnant female rats and found that it showed significant developmental toxicity at selected test doses, suggesting careful use during pregnancy.
- Another study published in 2017 4 discussed the role of guaifenesin in managing chronic bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections, but did not specifically address its safety during pregnancy.
- A systematic review and comparative analysis published in 2024 5 found that current reference guides for the safe use of drugs during pregnancy are less scientific and reliable, with considerable discrepancies in recommendations from different reference guides.
- A case report published in 2000 6 described a successful pregnancy in a woman over 45 years old with elevated serum follicle stimulating hormone levels, where guaifenesin was used to improve cervical mucus quality, but this is not directly related to the safety of guaifenesin during pregnancy.
Key Findings
- Guaifenesin has been used by pregnant women, but its safety during pregnancy is not well-established.
- Animal studies suggest that guaifenesin may have developmental toxicity at high doses.
- There is a need for more scientific and reliable reference guides for the safe use of drugs during pregnancy.
- Current evidence does not provide a clear answer to the safety of Mucinex (Guaifenesin) during pregnancy, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects.