Guaifenesin 916456 223933081 2008-07-06T16:09:08Z Jpgordon 96897 No cut-and-pastes please {{Refimprove|date=November 2007}} {{drugbox | IUPAC_name = 3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propane-1,2-diol | image = Guaifenesin.svg | CAS_number = 93-14-1 | ATC_prefix = R05 | ATC_suffix = CA03 | ATC_supplemental = | PubChem = 3516 | DrugBank = APRD01005 | C = 10 | H = 14 | O = 4 | molecular_weight = 198.216 g/mol | bioavailability = | protein_bound = | metabolism = | elimination_half-life = 1 hour | pregnancy_category = C <small>([[US]])</small> | legal_status = OTC <small>([[US]], [[Canada|CA]])</small> | routes_of_administration = Oral (PO) | licence_EU = | licence_US = Guaifenesin }} '''Guaifenesin''' ({{IPA2|gwaɪˈfɛnəsɪn}}) ([[International Nonproprietary Name|INN]]) or '''guaiphenesin''' (former [[British Approved Name|BAN]]) is an [[expectorant]] [[medication|drug]] usually taken orally (by mouth) to assist the bringing up ("expectoration") of [[phlegm]] from the [[airway]]s in acute [[respiratory tract infection]]s. ==History== Similar medicines derived from the [[guaiac|guaiac tree]] were in use as a generic remedy by Native Americans when explorers reached [[North America]] in the 1500s, but guaifenesin was first approved by the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) in 1952. ==Availability== Guaifenesin is sold as pills or syrups under several [[brand name]]s, including: Guai-Aid, GuaiLife, Ethex 208, Humibid, Mucinex, and [[Robitussin]]. It is also included in many other over-the-counter cough and cold remedy combinations (usually in conjunction with [[dextromethorphan]] and/or [[pseudoephedrine]] and/or [[acetaminophen]]). ==Uses== ===Treatment of asthma=== Guaifenesin is effective in the treatment of the thickened bronchial mucosa characteristic of [[asthma]]. It works by drawing water into the [[bronchus|bronchi]]. The water both thins [[mucus]] and lubricates the airway, facilitating the removal of mucus by [[cough|coughing]]. One may notice a sense of [[dry mouth]] when taking this medication. Water consumption is important, not only to help with dry mouth, but also to improve the effectiveness of the drug. ===Treatment of coughing=== Guaifenesin is frequently combined with [[dextromethorphan]], an [[antitussive]]. Under normal circumstances this combination leads to fewer, but more productive coughs. However, in the above-normal quantities consumed by [[Dextromethorphan#Recreational use|recreational users]] of [[dextromethorphan]], it may cause nausea and vomiting, as well as the formation of stones in the urinary tract ([[urolithiasis]]). ===Treatment of fibromyalgia=== Because of its [[uricosuric]] effect, guaifenesin was chosen in the 1990s for the experimental [[guaifenesin protocol]] - a treatment for [[fibromyalgia]]. Proponents of the guaifenesin protocol believe that it cures fibromyalgia by removing excess phosphate from the body. A lesser publicized and thus lesser known fact among fibromyalgia sufferers is that guaifenesin has skeletal muscle relaxant activity, and a form of guaifenesin known as [[guafenesin carbomate]] is used for this purpose. This may explain some of the symptomatic relief experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers who take guaifenesin.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} ===Other uses=== Guaifenesin also has other known neurological effects, including an [[analgesic]] effect that is related to its action as a [[skeletal muscles|skeletal]] [[muscle relaxant]], and possible [[Antiplatelet drug|inhibition of platelet aggregation]]. {{Fact|date=March 2008}} Guaifenesin's neurological properties first became known in the late 1940s, and it is still used in [[veterinary]] medicine to [[anesthetize]] [[horses]] being prepared for [[surgery]]. When contrasted with other [[propanediol]] drugs used for this purpose, guaifenesin has less hemolytic activity (i.e., less destruction of red blood cells) and is more soluble in water.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} ===Use by singers=== Opera singers sometimes refer to guaifenesin as the "wonder drug" for its ability to promote secondary mucosal secretion in the respiratory system. Secondary mucous is the thinner, lubricating mucus that occurs on the vocal folds naturally when they are healthy and well hydrated. Singers use guaifenesin to improve the state of their vocal folds in extremes of humidity (very humid or very dry), after flying long distances, and during mild allergies.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} ===Use by women who want to conceive=== Guaifenesin is widely used by women to facilitiate [[fertilization|conception]] by thinning and increasing the amount of [[cervix#cervical mucus|cervical mucus]]. Evidence concerning the effectiveness of this use is almost entirely [[anecdote|anecdotal]]; the exception<ref name="pmid6896190">{{cite journal | author = Check JH, Adelson HG, Wu CH | title = Improvement of cervical factor with guaifenesin | journal = Fertil. Steril. | volume = 37 | issue = 5 | pages = 707–8 | year = 1982 | pmid = 6896190 | doi = | issn = }}</ref> is a very small study without controls. In another very small but double-blind and placebo-controlled experiment, guaifenesin reduced [[dysmenorrhea|primary dysmenorrhea]], but the effect was not significant. ==References== {{reflist}} ==See also== * [[Guaifenesin protocol]] ==External links== *[http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/guaifen.htm RxList site giving some properties] * {{MedlinePlusDrugInfo|medmaster|a682494}} *[http://www.medicinenet.com/guaifenesin/article.htm Information from MedicineNet.com] {{Cough and cold preparations}} [[Category:Expectorants]] [[de:Guaifenesin]] [[nl:Guaifenesine]] [[fi:Guaifenesiini]]