guaifenesin is appropriate for the treatment of what common childhood condition

An extended-release version of guanfacine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents ages 6 through 17. Intuniv is the brand name of guanfacine as a medication for ADHD.

Full Answer

Is Mucinex good for kids?

Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) is a combination medication used for relieving chest congestion and calming a cough. It's available over-the-counter, so you don't need a prescription to get it. Most people have no side effects from it, but it cannot be used in children under 4 years old.

Can babies have guaifenesin?

Children with these conditions may need a different kind of medicine. Also, guaifenesin should not be given to children and infants younger than 2 years of age unless you are directed to do so by your doctor. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years of age.

Is Mucinex safe for a 4 year old?

We both benefited greatly from Mucinex (guaifenesin), which helps break up the mucus in the chest so coughs are more productive. My son's doctor said it is ok to give the Mucinex (with just guaifenesin and no other ingredients) to him even though he is under the age limit stated on the packaging (4 yrs. old). He confirmed the dosage for me.

What is Mucinex for kids?

Mucinex Cough for Kids and guaifenesin is a combination medicine used to treat cough and chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies. Mucinex Cough for Kids will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

What is guaifenesin commonly used to treat?

Guaifenesin is used to help clear mucus or phlegm (pronounced flem) from the chest when you have congestion from a cold or flu. It works by thinning the mucus or phlegm in the lungs. This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor's prescription.

Is guaifenesin used for asthma?

Theophylline and guaifenesin combination is used to treat or prevent the symptoms of asthma or to treat chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This medicine relieves cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing.

What is the indication of guaifenesin?

Pharmacology. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that is indicated for providing temporary symptomatic relief from congested chests and coughs which may be due to a cold, bronchitis, and/or other breathing illnesses Label,8,6.

What is guaifenesin commonly used to treat ref uptodate )?

Abstract. Guaifenesin, a mucoactive drug, acts by loosening mucus in the airways and making coughs more productive. It is used for relief of wet cough and chest congestion due to the common cold, and remains the only legally marketed expectorant in the US (per OTC Monograph).

Does guaifenesin help COPD?

Overall, 52% of physicians recommended guaifenesin in managing mucus in more than 50% of patients. According to surveyed physicians, guaifenesin was most beneficial in addressing problematic mucus in moderate severity COPD when used as part of the treatment approach.

Can toddlers have guaifenesin?

Also, guaifenesin should not be given to children and infants younger than 2 years of age unless you are directed to do so by your doctor. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years of age.

Can babies have guaifenesin?

Also, guaifenesin should not be given to children and infants younger than 2 years of age unless you are directed to do so by your doctor. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years of age.

When should you take guaifenesin?

Guaifenesin comes as a tablet, a capsule, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet, dissolving granules, and a syrup (liquid) to take by mouth. The tablets, capsules, dissolving granules, and syrup are usually taken with or without food every 4 hours as needed.

For which of the following conditions would a mucolytic agent be an effective treatment?

Mucolytics are commonly used to treat chronic respiratory conditions that are characterized by periods of excess mucus production, or mucus hypersecretion. However, they can also be used to help clear mucus caused by short-term worsening of respiratory conditions, such as COPD exacerbations.

What are the treatment options for rhinovirus?

Approach Considerations. Rhinovirus (RV) infections are predominantly mild and self-limited; thus, treatment is generally focused on symptomatic relief and prevention of person-to-person spread and complications. The mainstays of therapy include rest, hydration, first-generation antihistamines, and nasal decongestants.

What is salbutamol guaifenesin used for?

The combination of salbutamol with guaifenesin is designed to relieve respiratory obstruction and improve pulmonary ventilation. Respiratory disorders where bronchospasm and excessive secretion of tenacious mucus are complicating factors, eg, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

How do you use guaifenesin?

How to use guaifenesin oralTake this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 hours. ... Guaifenesin may have a bitter taste. ... For powder packets, empty the entire contents of the packet onto the tongue and swallow. ... Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.More items...

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to guaifenesin. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether guaifenesin will harm an unb...

How Should I Take Guaifenesin?

Use guaifenesin exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recom...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Since cough medicine is taken when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as...

Guaifenesin Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose of Guaifenesin for Cough:Immediate release formulation: 200 to 400 mg orally every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 2.4 g/daySusta...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Guaifenesin ?

There may be other drugs that can interact with guaifenesin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-c...

Brand Names: US

Altarussin [OTC]; Bidex [OTC] [DSC]; Buckleys Chest Congestion [OTC]; Chest Congestion Relief [OTC]; Diabetic Siltussin DAS-Na [OTC] [DSC]; Diabetic Tussin [OTC]; Fenesin IR [OTC] [DSC]; Geri-Tussin [OTC]; GoodSense Mucus Relief [OTC]; Liquibid [OTC]; Mucinex Chest Congestion Child [OTC] [DSC]; Mucinex Fast-Max Chest Cong MS [OTC]; Mucinex For Kids [OTC]; Mucinex Maximum Strength [OTC]; Mucinex [OTC]; Mucosa [OTC] [DSC]; Mucus Relief ER [OTC]; Mucus Relief Max St [OTC]; Mucus Relief [OTC]; Organ-I NR [OTC] [DSC]; Pharbinex [OTC]; Refenesen 400 [OTC]; Refenesen [OTC] [DSC]; Robafen Mucus/Chest Congestion [OTC]; Robafen [OTC] [DSC]; Robitussin Mucus+Chest Congest [OTC] [DSC]; Siltussin DAS [OTC] [DSC]; Siltussin SA [OTC]; Tussin Mucus & Chest Congest [OTC]; Tussin [OTC]; Xpect [OTC].

What is this drug used for?

It is used to thin mucus so it can be taken from the body by coughing.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if your child has any side effects that bother your child or do not go away.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

If your child takes this drug on a regular basis, give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.

What is Guaifenesin used for?

Usually used in combination with other ingredients. Use to relieve chest congestion that occurs as a result of a cold, the flu, or allergies. Makes a cough more productive.

How long does Guaifenesin last?

Some effects of guaifenesin should be noticed within 30 minutes of taking it orally; however, up to two days of regular dosing may be needed before the full effects are seen. Liquid guaifenesin lasts for approximately four to six hours. Delayed-release capsules or tablets last for up to 12 hours.

How does Guaifenesin work?

How it works. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that increases the volume and reduces the viscosity (stickiness) of respiratory tract secretions. This makes coughing out these secretions easier. 2. Upsides. Guaifenesin is used as an expectorant (a substance that promotes mucus secretion in the airways).

Can you chew Guaifenesin?

Do not open, crush, break, or chew guaifenesin delayed-release capsules or tablets because this may cause too much of the drug to be released at once. Drink extra fluids while you are taking guaifenesin to help loosen congestion and lubricate the throat.

Can you take Guaifenesin with food?

Guaifenesin does not need to be taken with food; however, it can be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Take exactly as directed by your doctor or on the label. Do not increase the dosage or take for longer than is recommended. Use a properly calibrated measuring spoon to measure liquid guaifenesin dosages.

What is guaifenesin used for?

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.

How does Guaifenesin work?

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.

Can you take more than one guaifenesin?

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 product can affect the results of certain lab tests (such as urine levels of certain acids).

Can you split Guaifenesin?

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.

Can you use cough and cold tablets on kids?

Cough -and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, 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 ...

Can guaifenesin be used during pregnancy?

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.

Why do doctors prescribe guanfacine?

A doctor may prescribe guanfacine if stimulant medications have proven ineffective or if parents or caregivers are concerned that they will cause harmful or unpleasant side effects. It is vital that children take guanfacine as the doctor directs to maximize its effectiveness and reduce the risk of side effects.

What are the side effects of guanfacine?

As with all medications, guanfacine can cause side effects. The most common side effects include: 1 sleepiness 2 headaches 3 fatigue 4 sedation, which is dose-dependent and temporary

Is guanfacine safe for kidneys?

Guanfacine may not be suitable for children with liver or kidney problems or those with a history of cardiovascular issues, such as low blood pressure or heart disease. Doctors may regularly monitor the blood pressure and pulse of some children taking guanfacine to make sure that everything is normal.

Does Guanfacine cause sleepiness?

As with all medications, guanfacine can cause side effects. The most common side effects include: sleepiness. headaches. fatigue. sedation, which is dose-dependent and temporary. Other side effects, many of which are dose-dependent, include: nausea. lethargy.

Does guanfacine cause low blood pressure?

Guanfacine can also interact with antihypertensive medications, potentially causing low blood pressure or fainting. Also, guanfacine may interact with alcohol or depressant medications — including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antipsychotics — leading to an increased sedative effect.

What is guaifenesin used for?

Guaifenesin is used to treat coughs and congestion caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. Guaifenesin 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.

Is Guaifenesin safe for kids?

If you are self-treating with guaifenesin, it is important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using this product to be sure it is right for you. Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years.

Can you use Guaifenesin while pregnant?

Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available, or neither animal nor human studies were done. It is unknown if guaife nesin is excreted in breast milk; use with caution if breastfeeding.

Does Guaifenesin cure the common cold?

Products that include guaifenesin 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 ...

What is guanfacine used for?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents ages 6 through 17. Intuniv is the brand name of guanfacine as a medication for ADHD. Guanfacine is typically only used for ADHD ...

What is the difference between Tenex and Guanfacine?

Guanfacine is more commonly used to lower blood pressure. This helps prevent serious health conditions, such as heart attack and stroke, in people with higher-than-normal blood pressure. Tenex is the brand-name blood pressure medication that has guanfacine in it.

What are the depressants for the nervous system?

central nervous system depressants, including alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, and antipsychotics. Precautions. Use caution if you have a history of fainting, heart disease, low blood pressure, depression, or heart block. This medication may complicate your condition or make its symptoms worse.

What is a CYP3A4 inhibitor?

CYP3A4/5 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole. This includes grapefruit and grapefruit juice. CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampin (Rifadin), which is an antibiotic. valproic acid (Depakene), an anticonvulsant medication.

Is Guanfacine good for ADHD?

Guanfacine is typically only used for ADHD when stimulants like amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ( Adderall) aren’t suitable, not tolerated, or not effective. The medication appears to be most effective in children 12 or younger. Guanfacine is more commonly used to lower blood pressure.

Can guanfacine be given to adults?

Guanfacine may be given in addition to stimulants to help better control ADHD symptoms. While not currently approved for use in adults, guanfacine ER has shown promising results in a phase III clinical trial of adults with ADHD.

Can guanfacine be taken with other medications?

Guanfacine can interact with other medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications. Taking guanfacine with any of the following drugs or classes of medications may require adjustments to dose: CYP3A4/5 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole. This includes grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

What is the drug in Mucinex?

Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD. Updated on January 28, 2020. When you look online for fibromyalgia treatments, it's common to come across references to guaifenesin, which is the drug in Mucinex. The Guaifenesin Protocol for treating fibromyalgia (FMS) is based on a theory that is as yet unproven and is not supported by most FMS experts.

Is Guaifenesin safe for children?

Amand, the only side effect of guaifenesin is mild nausea that doesn't last long and only happens rarely. He says it is safe and effective even for children and doesn't have any known drug interactions .

Can you use Guaifenesin as a muscle relaxer?

It's also used as a muscle relaxant during anesthesia. 1  St. Amand recommends against using most decongestants to get guaifenesin, however, and advocates either Mucinex or pure forms of the drug that can be obtained through certain websites.

Is Guaifenesin an expectorant?

Guaifenesin is on the market in several forms and is primarily an expectorant used to thin mucus. It's in popular over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as Robitussin and Mucinex and multiple combination cough and cold products.

Does Guaifenesin cause fibromyalgia?

St. Amand believes the drug guaifenesin makes your kidneys pull excess phosphates from your cells, thereby reversing the process he says causes fibromyalgia. Guaifenesin is on the market in several forms and is primarily an expectorant used to thin mucus.

Is Guaifenesin covered by insurance?

Because guaifenesin is not a prescription medication, it won't be covered by your insurance. This protocol is experimental and neither the treatment nor the theory behind it is supported by scientific evidence.

Is Guaifenesin more effective than placebo?

To date, only one double-blind, placebo-controlled study has examined it, and researchers found the Guaifenes in Protocol no more effective than a placebo. 2  St. Amand says he's seen great success in his patients and a relatively small group of people with FMS swears by the protocol.

How It Works

Upsides

Downsides

Bottom Line

Tips

Response and Effectiveness

References

Further Information