guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is used to relieve chest congestion. Guaifenesin may help control symptoms but does not treat the cause of symptoms or speed recovery. Guaifenesin is in a class of medications called expectorants. It works by thinning the mucus in the air passages to make it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking guaifenesin affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Based on the studies reviewed in the MotherToBaby fact sheet, guaifenesin is not expected to make it harder to get pregnant. If you have questions or concerns about fertility, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking guaifenesin increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. According to the fact sheet, it is not known whether guaifenesin increases the chance of miscarriage. Any concerns should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking guaifenesin increase the risk of birth defects?
The fact sheet notes that about 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect as a background risk. Guaifenesin is not expected to greatly increase the chance of birth defects; a few studies have suggested an increased chance of some birth defects, but most available information suggests that if there is any increase, it is expected to be low. Your healthcare provider can help you think through what this means in your situation.
Can taking guaifenesin during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
According to the fact sheet, studies have not been done to see whether guaifenesin increases the chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. Concerns about these outcomes should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Can taking guaifenesin during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet states that studies have not been done to see if guaifenesin can cause behavior or learning issues in the child. Because this has not been studied, questions about long-term child development are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking guaifenesin?
The use of guaifenesin while breastfeeding has not been studied, and it is not known if it passes into breastmilk or what effect, if any, it could have on a nursing child. The fact sheet notes that, according to the product label, when used as directed, guaifenesin is not expected to cause side effects in a nursing child, and that any product containing guaifenesin used during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be alcohol-free. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual breastfeeding questions.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
guaifenesin