Fibromyalgia and Guaifenesin

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/20/2007 at 11:06AM

What is Guaifenesin?

Guaifenesin is a medication that thins the mucus in the respiratory system and makes it easier to breathe. It relieves the coughs of colds, bronchitis, and other lung infections by allowing the patient to cough up mucus and clear the airways. This medication is also prescribed for other uses. Read on to learn more about guaifenesin and how it is used to help alleviate the symptoms of fibrimyalgia.

Medication Names: Anti-Tuss, Bidex, Breonesin, Duratuss G, Fenesin, Ganidin NR, GG 200 NR, Guaifenesin LA, Guaifenex G, Guaifenex LA, Humibid L.A., Humibid Pediatric, Liquibid, Muco-Fen 1200, Muco-Fen 800, Muco-Fen LA, Naldecon-EX Senior, Organidin NR, Pneumomist, Q-Bid LA, Robitussin, Scot-Tussin, Touro EX, Fibro-Balance

How Is Guaifenesin Used To Treat Fibromyalgia Patients?

Guaifenesin is a mildly uricosuric medication. Uricosuric drugs are used in the treatment of gout as they stimulate the urinary excretion of uric acid. Although they are unsure of the exact connection, researchers have begun to understand that uricosuric drugs also work for fibromyalgia. The theory is that these types of medication help to remedy some time of chemical imbalance in the body that is causing the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

How Should I Take Guaifenesin?

Take each dose of medication with a full glass of water, and be sure to drink extra fluids throughout the day to help purge excess waste from the system. If guaifenesin gives you an upset stomach, take it with food. Guaifenesin comes in tablet, capsule or liquid form. Talk with your health care provider about the form of medication that would be easiest for you to take. Carefully, follow the medication instructions on the package and be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about this perscription. Do not alter the dosage without first condulting your physician. If your symptoms do not improve within seven days or if you have a high fever, rash, or persistent headache, call your doctor immediately.

How Often Should I Take Guaifenesin for Fibromyalgia?

Your health care provider will help you determine the dosage of guaifenesin that will work best for you. The dosage varies from 300 milligrams twice a day to as high as 3600 milligrams per day. The progress of treatment can be measured by the improvement of symptoms and the reduction of pain and spasms in the body's tender points.

What Special Precautions Should I Follow?

Before taking guaifenesin, talk with your health care professional about the possible side effects of this medication, as well as effect on any other medications that you may be taking. Guaifenesin may cause dizziness; therefore, you should be cautious about driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities while taking this medication. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. Guaifenesin is listed in category C of the FDA approved medications for pregnancy. This means that it is not known whether guaifenesin will harm an unborn baby. Talk with your doctor first about taking this medication is you are pregnant or planning to become so. Also, if you are currently breast-feeding, guaifenesin may affect your breast milk. Again, talk with your health care provider or your child's pediatrician if you are considering taking this medication. Guaifenesin has not been approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 2 years of age.

Another important note for people considering taking guaifenesin is that this medication cannot be used in conjunction with aspirin, aloe, or herbal medications (this includes any skin creams or topical products that contain herbs. The reason for this precaution is that the salicylates found in these products block the action of guaifenesin, even if they are applied to the skin. Here is a partial list of products that cannot be used when taking guaifenesin.

Aspirin or other pain products that contain salicylate or salicylic acid (Salsalate, Disalcid, Anacin, Excedrin
Herbal products that contain ginseng, St. John's wort, gingko biloba, saw palmetto, blue-green algae, Echinacea, or noni juice; Throat lozenges with menthol, mint, peppermint or spearmint Ben Gay, Myoflex, Zostrix, and other pain creams that contain capsaicin or capsicum
Skin cleansers or exfoliants that use salicylic/ betahydroxy acid(s).
Shampoos, conditioners, bubble baths, lotions, moisturizers , cosmetics or hairsprays with plant derivatives. Sunscreens or tanning lotions with aloe or a salicylate component.
Razors with aloe strips

What Side Effects Does Guaifenesin Cause?

Side effects from guaifenesin are quite rare, but they are still possible. Consult your health care provider if you begin to experience headaches, an upset stomach or vomiting after taking this medication.

Is It Possible to Overdose on Guaifenesin?

An overdose of guaifenesin is highly unlikely. But if you do suspect that you have taken too much of this medication, call an emergency room or poison control center near you.

Your local poison control center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

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