Guaifenesin

DescriptionGuaifenesin is an oral expectorant drug. The expectorant action of guaifenesin is mediated by stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a common ingredient in prescription and over-the-counter medications used to treat cough due to colds and minor upper respiratory infections. Additionally, Guaifenesin is also a centrally-acting muscle relaxant and is used routinely in combination with analgesics and sedatives in large-animal veterinary surgery.

HistoryGuaifenesin was originally derived from the guaiac tree and used by Native Americans for health purposes. Synthesis of guaifenesin was first reported in 1912. Guaifenesin has been used in the treatment of respiratory diseases since the nineteenth century. The United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved guaifenesin for use in overthe- counter medications in 1989. Guaifenesin is widely consumed alone and combined with antihistamines, cough suppressants, and decongestants. Guaifenesin is also a centrally acting muscle relaxant and is used routinely in combination with analgesics and sedatives in large-animal veterinary surgery.

UsesGuaifenesin is a muscle relaxant with expectorant properties often used as an expectorant to facilitate the removal of phlegm from the airways in acute respiratory tract infections. Guaifenesin comes in tablet and capsule form, as syrup, as dissolving granules, and recently as an extended-release (longacting) tablet. The tablets, capsules, dissolving granules, and syrup are usually taken with or without food every 4 h as needed. The extended-release tablet is usually taken with or without food every 12 h.

General DescriptionGuaifenesin is an expectorant, widely used in the treatment of cough. Its mode of action involves the alleviating of cough discomfort by increasing sputum volume and decreasing its viscosity, thus resulting in effective cough.Pharmaceutical secondary standards for application in quality control, provide pharma laboratories and manufacturers with a convenient and cost-effective alternative to the preparation of in-house working standards.