Guaifenesin extended-release (ER) is an over-the-counter expectorant used to relieve wet cough. It helps loosen phlegm in the throat and chest so you can cough it up more easily. Guaifenesin ER can be taken orally by adults and children 12 years and older, typically every 12 hours as needed. Most people experience few to no side effects after taking this medication as directed. Guaifenesin ER is available as a brand-name and generic medication.
Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)
Guaifenesin ER is an expectorant, meaning it loosens mucus in your airways by making it thinner. This makes it easier to cough out mucus and help clear chest congestion.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
Taken by mouth
Longer-lasting compared to guaifenesin IR
Tablets can't be cut or crushed
Not meant to be taken long-term
Guaifenesin in many over-the-counter products, so you can accidentally take too much
If you have a cough that's caused by cigarette smoke, a cough that's linked to a breathing problem (e.g., asthma, emphysema), or a cough with a lot of mucus, let your primary care provider or pulmonologist know before taking guaifenesin ER. You might need more medical attention.
Please talk with your primary care provider if your cough gets worse, comes back after clearing up, or lasts more than a week. Also, let them know if you also have a rash, fever, or headache. These might be signs of a more serious medical condition that can't be treated with guaifenesin ER.
Keep in mind that many over-the-counter cough, cold, and flu medications contain similar ingredients, and it's best to avoid taking medications with overlapping ingredients. Always check with your care team before taking multiple over-the-counter cough, cold, and flu medications to make sure they're safe for you to take together.
Swallow guaifenesin ER tablets whole with a full glass of water. This will help to break up the mucus in your lungs. Don't crush, break, or chew the tablets since it can change how guaifenesin ER works.
Store guaifenesin ER up and away and out of children's reach and sight. Always put medication away every time you use it. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing any medication that was left out. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed guaifenesin ER, call a Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.
Don't give guaifenesin ER to a child under 12 years old. Check in with their pediatrician if guaifenesin IR is a good option for your child. Your child's healthcare team might also recommend home remedies, such as using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer at home.
Guaifenesin ER can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Taking with other similar medications | Taking too many doses in a 24-hour period
Guaifenesin ER is an expectorant, which is found in many other over-the-counter products. Using more than one product containing the same ingredients can lead to an accidental overdose that can be dangerous.
If you're not sure whether you're taking a medication with guaifenesin in it, talk to your care team. To prevent an accidental overdose, follow the specific product instructions on the package carefully. If you think that you or your child might’ve accidentally taken too much guaifenesin ER, call a Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.
Mucinex extended-release (ER), generic extended-release tablet
Adults and children (age 12 and older): The typical dose is 600-1,200 mg by mouth every 12 hours. Don't take more than 2,400 mg in a 24-hour period.
Children under age 12: Don't use.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
Albrecht, H., et al. (2012). Patient-reported outcomes to assess the efficacy of extended-release guaifenesin for the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection symptoms. Respiratory Research.
Dolansky, G., et al. (2008). What is the evidence for the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter cough and cold preparations for children younger than six years of age? Paediatrics & Child Health.
MedlinePlus. (2022). Guaifenesin.
Method Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2024). Guaifenesin- guaifenesin liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.
Mother To Baby. (2023). Guaifenesin. Organization of Teratology Information Specialists.
Mucinex. (2018). Chest congestion relief.
RB Health (US) LLC. (2023). Mucinex- guaifenesin tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
Smith, S. M., et al. (2014). Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Twin Med LLC. (2024). Mucus Relief Guaifenesin Extended-Release 600 mg- guaifenesin tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Vilson, L., Jr, et al. (2013). Pharmacokinetic studies in healthy subjects for the development of an extended-release tablet formulation of guaifenesin: A 505(b)(2) New Drug Application Approval. Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development.
Wiegand, T. (2024). Guaifenesin. Encyclopedia of Toxicology (Fourth Edition).
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.