The Basics
What is Guaifenesin?
Used to try to help with coughing up thick mucus and is sometimes combined with dextromethorphan, an antitussive.
Brand names for Guaifenesin
Allfen, Altarussin, Amibid La, Antitussin, Bidex 400, Diabetic Siltussin Das-Na, Diabetic Tussin Ex, Drituss G, Guaifenex G, Guaifenex La, Mucinex, Robitussin
How Guaifenesin is classified
Expectorants
Guaifenesin During Pregnancy
Guaifenesin pregnancy category
Category C
Note that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Guaifenesin while pregnant
Can you take guaifenesin while pregnant? Avoid medicines with this ingredient in the first trimester. Most studies suggest that taking guaifenesin while pregnant is not associated with an increase in birth defects.
Taking Guaifenesin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Guaifenesin?
Can you take guaifenesin while breastfeeding? Neither the excretion of guaifenesin in milk nor its effect on breastfed infants have been studied. It is unlikely that with usual maternal doses amounts in breastmilk would harm the nursing infant, especially in infants over 2 months of age. It is best to avoid the use of products with a high alcohol content while nursing.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Neither the excretion of guaifenesin in milk nor its effect on breastfed infants have been studied. It is unlikely that with usual maternal doses amounts in breastmilk would harm the nursing infant, especially in infants over 2 months of age. It is best to avoid the use of products with a high alcohol content while nursing.
Possible effects of Guaifenesin on milk supply
Can you take guaifenesin while breastfeeding? Relevant published information on guaifenesin and breastfeeding was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Guaifenesin
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
None listed
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
