Side Effects of guaifenesin: A Synthesis of Findings from 10 Studies

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This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of guaifenesin: A Synthesis of Findings from 10 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

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This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Guaifenesin is a common over-the-counter expectorant used to relieve chest congestion. Research on guaifenesin has shown that it is generally safe, but can have serious side effects in specific situations. 3 reports a case of death following guaifenesin overdose, highlighting the risk of severe side effects from excessive use. Another study, 7 , found a link between fatalities in children under 12 and over-the-counter cough and cold medications containing guaifenesin.

However, 1 shows that guaifenesin, when used as an anesthetic in horses, did not result in any adverse side effects.

Reasons for Side Effects

Guaifenesin side effects can be triggered by various factors, including overdosing, interacting with other medications, individual age, and pre-existing health conditions.

Common Side Effects

Nausea

The study 3 indicates that guaifenesin might cause digestive side effects such as nausea.

Dizziness

The study 3 suggests that guaifenesin might cause neurological side effects such as dizziness.

Sleepiness

The study 3 suggests that guaifenesin might cause neurological side effects such as sleepiness.

Difficulty Breathing

The study 3 suggests that guaifenesin might cause respiratory side effects such as difficulty breathing.

Increased Heart Rate

The study 1 suggests that guaifenesin might cause circulatory side effects such as increased heart rate.

Side Effect Countermeasures

Nausea

If you experience side effects like nausea, seek medical advice.

Dizziness

If you experience side effects like dizziness, refrain from driving or engaging in hazardous activities.

Sleepiness

If you experience side effects like sleepiness, do not drive or perform dangerous tasks.

Difficulty Breathing

If you experience side effects like difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Increased Heart Rate

If you experience side effects like increased heart rate, consult a doctor.

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities Between Studies

Multiple studies have shown that guaifenesin is generally safe.

Differences Between Studies

Results regarding guaifenesin's side effects and safety evaluations may vary across studies.

Cautions Regarding Application in Everyday Life

Guaifenesin is generally safe for relieving cough and phlegm symptoms. However, it can cause side effects in certain situations.

When using guaifenesin, pay attention to the following:

  • Interactions may occur when guaifenesin is used with other medications. Consult a doctor to confirm its compatibility with other medications.
  • Overdosing on guaifenesin can lead to serious side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage.
  • Certain age groups, such as children and the elderly, might be more susceptible to guaifenesin side effects. Extra caution is needed when it is used by individuals in these age groups.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using guaifenesin.
  • Individuals with impaired liver or kidney function should consult a doctor before using guaifenesin.

Limitations of Current Research

This study examined multiple papers evaluating guaifenesin safety, but not all aspects have been covered.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of guaifenesin safety. In particular, research evaluating the long-term effects of guaifenesin and its safety in specific age groups and health conditions is necessary.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that guaifenesin is generally safe. However, it was also revealed that it can cause side effects in specific situations.

When taking guaifenesin, consult a doctor and gain a thorough understanding of the administration method and potential side effects before using it.

Literature analysis of 10 papers
Positive Content
6
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
4
Article Type
1
0
0
1
10
2.

[The clinical pharmacology of glycerol guaiacolate ether in the horse--a review].

Author: StadlerP

Pain relief
Side effects

This article reviews the properties, uses, and side effects of glyceryl guaiacolate ether in horses.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : Afrikaans

3.

Swift onset of central nervous system depression and asystole followingan overdose of Guaifenesin.

Author: OkicMerisa, JohnsonTom, CrifasiJoseph A, LongChristopher, MitchellErik K

Effective for chest congestion
Central nervous system depression
Death

This case report describes a fatal overdose of guaifenesin, an over-the-counter expectorant. This is the first reported case where guaifenesin is considered the significant pharmacologic contributor to death.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

4.

Development of a nitric oxide-releasing analogue of the muscle relaxant guaifenesin for skeletal muscle satellite cell myogenesis.

Author: WangGuqi, BurczynskiFrank J, HasinoffBrian B, ZhangKaidong, LuQilong, AndersonJudy E

Muscle regeneration

This research developed a new nitric oxide (NO) donor, guaifenesin dinitrate (GDN), which was shown to promote satellite cell activation and proliferation in muscle tissue. This could have potential applications for treating muscle atrophy and promoting repair after injury.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Novel stereoselective high-performance liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of guaifenesin and ketorolac enantiomers in human plasma.

Author: MaherHadir M, Al-TaweelShorog M, AlshehriMona M, AlzomanNourah Z

This study describes a new method for measuring the levels of guaifenesin and ketorolac in blood samples. Guaifenesin is a medication that is often used to treat coughs. Ketorolac is a pain reliever. This method can be used to monitor the levels of these drugs in patients who are taking them together.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

[Sobrerol as expectorant in patients with stable chronic respiratory tract infections. A controlled study].

Author: ShangH, GrosgurinP, MediciT C

Ineffective treatment

Sobrerol did not show significant advantage over placebo in treating stable chronic bronchial disease.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : German

7.

Pediatric Fatalities Associated With Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medications.

Author: HalmoLaurie Seidel, WangGeorge Sam, ReynoldsKate M, Delva-ClarkHeather, Rapp-OlssonMalin, BannerWilliam, BondG Randall, KauffmanRalph E, PalmerRobert B, PaulIan M, GreenJody L, DartRichard C

Fatalities

This study describes fatalities associated with exposures to over-the-counter cough and cold medications in children younger than 12 years old.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

Safety Profile of Cough and Cold Medication Use in Pediatrics.

Author: GreenJody L, WangGeorge Sam, ReynoldsKate M, BannerWilliam, BondG Randall, KauffmanRalph E, PalmerRobert B, PaulIan M, DartRichard C

Cough and cold relief
Agitation
Ataxia
Hallucinations
Mydriasis
Somnolence
Tachycardia

This study describes the safety profile of cough and cold medications (CCMs) in children <12 years of age from a multisystem surveillance program. The rate of AEs associated with CCMs in children was low. Fatalities occurred even less frequently. No fatality involved a therapeutic dose.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

9.

Maternal illness, including fever and medication use as risk factors for neural tube defects.

Author: ShawG M, TodoroffK, VelieE M, LammerE J

NTDs

Maternal fever or febrile illness episodes in the first trimester were associated with an increased risk for having a neural tube defect-affected pregnancy. Other reported illnesses were generally not associated with risks of 1.5 or greater.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

10.

A pilot study of safety of sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and guaifenesin in pediatric and adult patients with acute bronchitis.

Author: FalconMayer, IbericoCarlos, GuerraFrances, ReyesIsabel, FelixEfraín, FloresMónica, de Los RíosJorge, DiazMaria E, CasasAlberto, Sanchez-GambettaSergio, CarrascoRoberto

Improved bronchitis symptoms
Adverse events

The combination of sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and guaifenesin (STG) was generally safe in both pediatric and adult patients with acute bronchitis. Further research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of STG in these populations.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Observational StudyResearch that observes and collects data on participants' behavior and outcomes in their natural state, without intervention.

Language : English

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