guaifenesin + levomenthol at a glance
Medicine class
Expectorant cough preparation
Usual role
Symptomatic relief of chesty coughs with mucus
Form
Oral syrup; this formulation is described as non-drowsy
Age restriction
Not for children under 12 years
What is guaifenesin + levomenthol used for?
Licensed use represented by the selected product:
Symptomatic relief of cough in adults and children aged 12 years and over.
Helping relieve a chesty cough by loosening phlegm and easing congestion.
How does guaifenesin + levomenthol work?
Guaifenesin is thought to increase respiratory-tract fluid, increasing the volume and reducing the thickness of bronchial secretions. This makes mucus easier to clear by coughing. Levomenthol has mild local anaesthetic, decongestant and cough-calming properties.
How to take guaifenesin + levomenthol
This syrup is taken by mouth. Measure it using the supplied or recommended device and follow the pack instructions. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
The syrup contains glucose, sucrose and a small amount of ethanol.
Do not use it for a persistent or chronic cough, asthma-related cough or a cough producing excessive secretions unless directed by a doctor.
guaifenesin + levomenthol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain and diarrhoea have been reported, but their frequency is not known.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop treatment and seek medical help for itching, hives, rash or another allergic reaction. Severe blistering or peeling skin needs immediate assessment.
- Call 999 for swelling affecting the mouth or throat, breathing difficulty, severe dizziness or collapse.
guaifenesin + levomenthol in pregnancy
The selected product is not recommended during pregnancy because information about guaifenesin exposure is limited. Ask a pharmacist, midwife or doctor before using it if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
guaifenesin + levomenthol while breastfeeding
Small amounts of guaifenesin enter breast milk, but information about effects on breastfed infants is insufficient. A doctor or pharmacist should help decide whether to avoid the product or interrupt breastfeeding, considering the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment.
guaifenesin + levomenthol interactions
No specific medicine interaction is listed in the selected product information, but laboratory-test interference is important.
Urinary 5-HIAA and VMA tests
A guaifenesin metabolite may interfere with colour-based results if urine is collected within 24 hours after taking the product. Tell the requesting clinician or laboratory.
Common questions about guaifenesin + levomenthol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of cough is it used for?
It provides symptomatic relief of cough and is particularly presented for chesty coughs where mucus is difficult to clear.
Does it stop the cough?
Its main purpose is to make mucus easier to cough up rather than suppressing the cough completely.
Does it cause drowsiness?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.