Guaifenesin is primarily used as an expectorant to help relieve symptoms of chest congestion and productive coughs associated with the common cold, bronchitis, flu, laryngitis, pharyngitis, and other respiratory illnesses[1][3][5][7].
Its main benefit is the ability to loosen and thin mucus (sputum) in the airways, making coughs more productive and helping clear bronchial secretions, which can make breathing easier[2][3][4][5][6].
Guaifenesin is commonly found in over-the-counter preparations, either alone or combined with other medications like decongestants, antihistamines, or cough suppressants[1][3][7].
Although reducing the viscosity of secretions may indirectly diminish coughing, guaifenesin does not directly suppress cough and is not considered effective as an antitussive (cough suppressant)[3].
It may also be used off-label or as determined by a healthcare provider for other conditions that involve thick or excessive mucus production, such as chronic bronchitis or asthma, sometimes in combination with other agents[2][7].
References
- [1] Dextromethorphan Guaifenesin – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- [2] Role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic bronchitis
- [3] Guaifenesin: uses, dosing, warnings, adverse events, interactions – MedCentral
- [4] Guaifenesin – Wikipedia
- [5] Guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin, and others): Uses, Side Effects – WebMD
- [6] What is the mechanism of Guaifenesin? – Patsnap Synapse
- [7] Guaifenesin: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action – DrugBank