Guaifenesin is an expectorant drug usually taken orally to assist the bringing up (“expectoration”) of phlegm from the airways in acute respiratory tract infections. The use of guaifenesin is acceptable in limited amounts, although patients should know that the drug does have mild immunosuppressive activity.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant drug usually taken orally to assist the bringing up (“expectoration”) of phlegm from the airways in acute respiratory tract infections. It works by drawing water into the bronchi. The water both thins mucus and lubricates the airway, facilitating the removal of mucus by 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.
Guaifenesin is sold as pills or syrups under many brand names such as 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 phenylephrine and/or acetaminophen. Dextromethorphan is an antitussive and this combination can lead to fewer, but more productive coughs.
Guaifenisen may palliate all lung symptoms, not just coughing and reduce systemic immunupathology also.
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, like its carbamate ester methocarbamol which is used primarily for that purpose. This may explain some of the symptomatic relief experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers who take guaifenesin.
Even at normal over the counter doses guaifenesin is mildly immunosuppressive. Low doses are compatible with the MP and may be used to reduce intolerable immunopathologyAn unbearable or unsafe severity of bacterial die-off reaction..
Single ingredient guiafenesin (tablets or liquid) are preferable to any combination products which may contain ingredients such as decongestants, antihistamines or cough suppressants which patients may not need.
Patients may experience a slight surge of symptoms during “withdrawal” from periods of intense guaifenesin use.
Many drug and health food store sells guaifensin. It is also available at a number of online retailers.