Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Guaiphesin? Is Guaiphesin safe for nursing mother and child? Does Guaiphesin extracts into breast milk? Does Guaiphesin has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Guaiphesin influence milk supply or can Guaiphesin decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Guaiphesin lactation summary

Guaiphesin usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Guaiphesin is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Guaiphesin may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Guaiphesin may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Guaiphesin low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Guaiphesin We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Guaiphesin usage in lactation

It is used as an expectorant, alone or in association with other products. Proofs on its effectiveness are sparse. In some instances, preparations of Guaiphesin may contain alcohol as excipient with a concentration as high as 5%. At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found. Until more information on this medication is available, other option known to be safer would be recommended, mostly in the post-natal period or in cases of prematurity. If used while breastfeeding, a moderate use with the lowest dose as possible and avoiding those preparations with alcoholic excipient, should be preferred. Because effectiveness is poor and likelihood of side effects does exist, especially in multi-association, the US Agency for Drug Administration (FDA) is currently doing efforts for discontinuation of this and others at-the-counter products, that are formulated for cough relief (Guaiphesin, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine, Brompheniramine, etc.)

Answer by DrLact: About Guaiphesin usage in lactation

Neither the excretion of Guaiphesin 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.

Alternate Drugs

Synonyms of Guaiphesin

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