| Item |
Information |
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Drug Groups
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approved |
|
Description
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An expectorant that also has some muscle relaxing action. It is used in many cough preparations. [PubChem] |
| Indication |
Used to assist the expectoration of phlegm from the airways in acute respiratory tract infections. |
| Pharmacology |
Guaifenesin is an expectorant which increases the output of phlegm (sputum) and bronchial secretions by reducing adhesiveness and surface tension. The increased flow of less viscous secretions promotes ciliary action and changes a dry, unproductive cough to one that is more productive and less frequent. By reducing the viscosity and adhesiveness of secretions, guaifenesin increases the efficacy of the mucociliary mechanism in removing accumulated secretions from the upper and lower airway. |
| Toxicity |
LD50 1510 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
|
| Biotransformation |
Rapidly hydrolyzed (60% within seven hours) and then excreted in the urine, with beta-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-lactic acid as its major urinary metabolite. |
| Absorption |
Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract |
| Half Life |
1 hour |
| External Links |
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