Expectorant Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Guaifenesin is used to treat coughs and congestion caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using this product to be sure it is right for you. (See also Precautions section.)Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold. To decrease the risk for side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).

How to use Expectorant

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 hours. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Guaifenesin may have a bitter taste. Do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

For powder packets, empty the entire contents of the packet onto the tongue and swallow. To prevent a bitter taste, do not chew.

Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not take more than 6 doses in a day. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.

Tell your doctor if your cough is accompanied by a headache that doesn’t go away, fever, severe sore throat, rash, or if it lasts, returns, or gets worse after 7 days. These may be signs of a serious medical problem. Get medical help right away if you think you may have a serious medical problem.

Side Effects

Nausea or vomiting may occur. If either of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US –

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, smoker’s cough), cough with blood or large amounts of mucus.

Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely

The liquid forms and powder packets of this medication may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if guaifenesin passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Guaifenesin is available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your medications to make sure you are not taking more than one product containing guaifenesin.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urine levels of certain acids), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Expectorant interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If your doctor prescribed this medication, do not share this medication with others.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

This medication is for temporary use only. Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless your doctor tells you to do so. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts longer than 7 days.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Definition, uses, and side effects

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Expectorants are medications or natural ingredients that help clear mucus from the airways. People may take them to help alleviate congestion due to the common cold or flu.

Expectorants are available as a standalone drug or as an ingredient in all-in-one cold and flu medications.

In this article, we discuss the definition and uses of expectorants. We also explore the possible side effects of medicinal expectorants and the effectiveness of natural expectorants.

Share on PinterestGuaifenesin is an expectorant available in many OTC medications.

An expectorant is a medication that people can use when they have a cough that produces mucus. Doctors and pharmacists refer to these types of cough as “productive” or “wet.”

Expectorants reduce the thickness of mucus and make secretions in the airways thinner. By loosening up the mucus in these ways, expectorants make it easier for a person to cough up phlegm and clear out their throat.

Medicinal expectorants contain an active ingredient that will thin the mucus, making the cough more productive. Common medicinal expectorants include:

Guaifenesin

The most commonly available expectorant in over-the-counter (OTC) medications is guaifenesin. People can find guaifenesin in the following OTC products:

• cough, cold, and flu remedies
• decongestants
• cough suppressants
• pain and fever medications

Guaifenesin is currently the only expectorant on the market in the United States that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved.

Experts do not yet know how guaifenesin prevents coughing. However, some researchers have suggested that guaifenesin reduces the stickiness of mucus by hydrating it, which makes it easier for people to cough up.

According to the authors of a 2017 study, researchers consider guaifenesin a safe and effective expectorant for treating mucus-related symptoms in upper respiratory tract infections and stable chronic bronchitis.

However, in a 2019 review article, researchers suggest that the current research is weak and state the need for further studies of guaifenesin as an expectorant.

Potassium iodide

Potassium iodide is an expectorant that is only available via prescription.

Doctors prescribe potassium iodide oral solution to people with chronic lung diseases. This drug helps loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up. It does this by increasing respiratory secretions, which are more fluid than phlegm.

As OTC expectorants may not always be effective, some people try natural treatments instead. These may include:

Menthol

Menthol is a natural chemical that derives from plants belonging to the mint family. It is a common ingredient in throat lozenges and cough syrups.

Menthol provides a cooling sensation that can soothe a sore throat. A 2014 animal study suggests that menthol may relax the airway muscles, allowing more air to enter the respiratory system and helping improve cough and cold symptoms.

Further studies in humans are necessary to confirm the action of menthol on cough symptoms.

Ivy leaf extract

Ivy leaf extract is a popular natural remedy for cough and cold symptoms because of its supposed effects on mucus production, cough, and airway dilation.

A 2017 Polish study suggested that a medicine containing dry ivy extract may be effective in treating productive coughs, such as those that occur in respiratory tract infections.

However, more studies are still necessary to determine the effectiveness of ivy leaf extract for relieving cold and cough symptoms.

Hydration and steam inhalation

Other techniques to help release mucus from the airways are oral hydration therapy and steam inhalation. The mechanism of action behind each of these techniques is unknown, and doctors have questioned their effectiveness.

Different cold and flu symptoms require treatment with different types of drugs. A person with a productive cough can take an expectorant, but a dry or tickly cough usually requires a cough suppressant. Many OTC products contain a decongestant, but these are only effective for treating nasal congestion.

All-in-one cough, cold, and flu products may contain a combination of these ingredients. People who take all-in-one products are at risk of taking medicines that they do not need, and this can increase the likelihood of side effects.

Manufacturers sometimes add acetaminophen or ibuprofen to products to help treat pain or fever. Some products also contain an antihistamine, which can help control coughing. However, antihistamines can cause drowsiness.

Before choosing a product, people should decide which symptoms they want to treat. Anyone who is unsure whether a product is right for them should speak to a pharmacist.

Decongestants

Decongestants help alleviate a blocked nose. Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are two decongestants that people may find in OTC cold and cough medications.

These drugs work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. This constriction increases the size of the airway, allowing people to breathe more easily through their nose.

Cough suppressants

Low dose codeine and dextromethorphan are two cough suppressants that people can find in OTC medicines.

These medications act on the centers in the brain that tell a person to cough.

One of the risks of taking an expectorant is that people sometimes use them for persistent or chronic coughs.

People should not use expectorants to mask the symptoms of a chronic cough that is due to smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

People with excessive mucus should consult a doctor before taking OTC remedies.

Guaifenesin

Large doses of guaifenesin can irritate the digestive tract and may cause nausea and vomiting.

Potassium iodide

The most common side effects of potassium iodide are:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• skin rash
• salivary gland swelling or tenderness

Menthol

Although rare, one side effect of menthol is an allergic reaction, which may include hives or difficulty breathing.

Ivy leaf extract

Potential side effects of ivy leaf extract are:

• nausea
• vomiting and diarrhea
• allergic reactions, such as hives and skin rash

Expectorants are drugs or natural chemicals that may help loosen and dislodge mucus from the airways. Further studies are still necessary to prove their effectiveness.

According to the FDA, guaifenesin is the only safe and effective expectorant on the market. However, some people may prefer to try using natural expectorants, such as menthol and ivy leaf extract. Products containing guaifenesin are available to purchase in stores and online.

People should not use expectorants to mask the symptoms of a chronic cough or a cough with excessive mucus. These conditions require medical attention.

31. Expectorants. Mechanism of action. Indications for use. Side effects.

Expectorants
funds
– drugs intended for separation
mucus (phlegm) produced by bronchial tubes
glands.

Optional:
preparations of marshmallow root, istod root,
licorice root, terpinhydrate, sodium
benzoate.

why they are needed and how they work

Published: June 20

Updated: October 17

Reading time: 4 minutes

The most important characteristic of a cough is its productivity. With a cold, it is important that mucus does not linger in the airways. With the help of drugs, you can stimulate the excretion of sputum and change the cough from dry to wet.

Why expectorants are needed

Normally, mucus is constantly synthesized in the respiratory tract, softening the inner walls and preventing small foreign dust particles from entering with air. With a cold or chronic inflammation of the respiratory organs, the glands begin to intensively synthesize sputum in order to remove pathogenic bacteria, viruses and dust along with it. With the accumulation of mucus, the cough reflex is activated, the patient is tormented by an unproductive debilitating cough. The main goal of treatment in such a situation is to ensure the effective discharge of sputum from the respiratory tract so that mucus does not accumulate in the bronchial tree.

A few days after the onset of the illness, a wet cough occurs. In order to help the respiratory tract clear of sputum, expectorants are used. They make sputum less viscous, making it easier to remove from the respiratory tract.

It is important to remember that when you have a dry cough, you should be careful in choosing a medicine – in some cases, expectorant drugs may be contraindicated. This is why should first consult with a specialist.

How expectorants work

Sputum eliminators have different mechanisms of action:

• mucus thinning – the drug makes sputum less thick and viscous, so it is easily expelled during coughing;
• stimulation of the motor activity of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract – the effect of the drug is based on enhancing the work of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi, which “push” the accumulated mucus out.

Expectorant drug enhances the secretion of the liquid part of the secretion of the bronchial glands due to irritation of receptors located in the gastric mucosa. As a result, the mucus becomes more liquid and less sticky, easily separated from the walls of the bronchi. In addition, against the background of increased work of the epithelium of the respiratory tract and the cleansing of the bronchial tree, liquid sputum independently moves from the small bronchi towards the trachea. As a result of irritation of the mucous membrane receptors with mucus, a cough occurs, during which the airways are cleared.

Mucus thinners should not be taken concomitantly with antitussives . The fact is that mucus is a breeding ground for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. With the simultaneous use of expectorants and antitussives, sputum does not come out due to the suppression of the cough reflex. As a result of stagnation of mucus in the bronchi, sputum stagnation can occur, followed by infection and the development of serious conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Mucolytics for coughs

Mucolytics and expectorants work in different ways, but they all serve the same purpose: they help clear mucus from the airways. Mucolytics change the consistency and density of sputum, so that it does not stick to the walls of the bronchi and does not linger in the lungs. At the same time, mucolytic agents, unlike other expectorants, do not stimulate the functioning of the glands, that is, there is no increase in sputum volume .

Preparations of this group are available in several dosage forms – in syrups with a pleasant taste, tablets, solutions for oral administration and inhalation.

Combination medicines for the treatment of coughs with anti-inflammatory action include Rengalin. The drug helps to fight both dry and wet coughs and is suitable for adults and children over 3 years old. The drug is convenient to use, as it is presented in the form of tablets for resorption and oral solution.

Rengalin may help relieve a debilitating cough. The composition of the drug includes 3 active components, so the drug acts in a complex way: it helps to reduce the activity of the cough center, reduce inflammation, eliminate edema, improve the drainage function of the respiratory tract and facilitate sputum discharge. Rengalin can be used together with expectorants and mucolytics.

The drug can also be used for prolonged wet cough associated with excessive secretion of mucus in the bronchi. The drug does not cause addiction and drowsiness, does not depress breathing and does not have a narcotic effect, therefore it is also suitable for children.

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