cetylpyridinium chloride + guaifenesin at a glance
Medicine class
Expectorant with an oral antiseptic.
Usual role
Relieves acute chesty cough and catarrh linked to colds, influenza or mild throat infections.
Who can use it
The selected product is intended for adults and children aged 12 years or over.
Administration
Swallow the oral solution slowly using the supplied measuring cup, then rinse the cup.
What is cetylpyridinium chloride + guaifenesin used for?
The selected product is licensed for symptomatic relief of:
Acute chesty cough associated with influenza or colds.
Catarrh associated with influenza, colds or mild throat infections.
How does cetylpyridinium chloride + guaifenesin work?
Guaifenesin makes mucus less sticky and thick, helping it to be cleared by coughing and normal airway movement. Cetylpyridinium chloride acts locally as an antiseptic in the mouth and throat, including against Gram-positive bacteria.
cetylpyridinium chloride + guaifenesin preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg + 2.5 mg/5 mL
How to take cetylpyridinium chloride + guaifenesin
Use the supplied measuring cup and swallow the oral solution slowly. Rinse the cup after use. Follow the product label. Do not combine it with a cough suppressant or another cough-and-cold preparation without checking with a pharmacist or doctor.
Check other cough and cold products for overlapping ingredients.
Ask a doctor before use if you have a chronic cough, asthma, an acute asthma attack or porphyria.
cetylpyridinium chloride + guaifenesin side effects
Common or expected effects
- No effects have been assigned a common frequency. Effects reported with an unknown frequency include abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Get urgent medical advice
- Hypersensitivity reactions can include rash, swelling or wheezing. Stop taking the product and seek prompt medical assessment.
cetylpyridinium chloride + guaifenesin in pregnancy
Pregnancy data for guaifenesin are limited. Do not use the selected product during pregnancy unless a doctor or pharmacist advises that it is appropriate.
cetylpyridinium chloride + guaifenesin while breastfeeding
There is no product-specific information about use while breastfeeding. Use it only after advice from a doctor or pharmacist, considering the baby's age and health, particularly if the baby was premature or had jaundice.
cetylpyridinium chloride + guaifenesin interactions
Important combinations and test interference include:
Cough suppressants
Do not combine them with this expectorant because suppressing the cough may hinder clearance of loosened mucus.
Other cough and cold preparations
Check ingredients with a pharmacist to avoid unsuitable combinations or duplication.
Paracetamol
Guaifenesin may increase its absorption rate, although the clinical importance is unknown.
Common questions about cetylpyridinium chloride + guaifenesin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It relieves symptoms of acute chesty cough and catarrh associated with colds, influenza or mild throat infections.
Does it stop coughing?
No. Guaifenesin loosens mucus so it can be cleared more easily by coughing; it is not a cough suppressant.
Is it suitable for a dry cough?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.