Expectorants are drugs that loosen and clear mucus and phlegm from the
respiratory tract.
Purpose
The drug described here, Guaifenesin, is a common ingredient in cough
medicines. It is classified as an expectorant, a medicine that helps clear
mucus and other secretions from the respiratory tract. However, some debate
exists about how effectively Guaifenesin does this. In addition, some cough
medicines contain other ingredients that may cancel out Guaifenesin's
effects. Cough Suppressants such as Codeine, for example, work against
Guaifenesin because they discourage coughing up the secretions that the
expectorant loosens.
There are other ways to loosen and clear the respiratory secretions
associated with colds. These include using a humidifier and drinking 6-8
glasses of water a day.
Description
Guaifenesin is an ingredient in many cough medicines, such as anti--Tuss,
Dristan Cold & Cough, Guaifed, GuaiCough, and some Robitussin products.
Some products that contain Guaifenesin are available only with a physician's
prescription; others can be bought without a prescription. They come in
several forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquids.