GUAIFENESIN

65/100 · Elevated

Manufactured by RB Health (US) LLC

Guaifenesin Adverse Events: Moderate Safety Concerns

61,553 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About GUAIFENESIN

GUAIFENESIN is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by RB Health (US) LLC. Based on analysis of 61,553 FDA adverse event reports, GUAIFENESIN has a safety score of 65 out of 100. This moderate score indicates a notable volume of adverse event reports that patients and providers should be aware of. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for GUAIFENESIN include DRUG INEFFECTIVE, DYSPNOEA, FATIGUE, NAUSEA, DIARRHOEA. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for GUAIFENESIN.

AI Safety Analysis

Guaifenesin has a safety concern score of 65 out of 100, placing it in the elevated concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 61,553 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Rb Health (Us) Llc.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Drug Ineffective, Dyspnoea, Fatigue. Of classified reports, 49.6% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. The most common adverse reactions include dyspnea, fatigue, and nausea, indicating potential respiratory and gastrointestinal effects.

Serious adverse events, such as pneumonia and death, are reported but at a lower frequency compared to non-serious events. A significant number of reports involve off-label use and incorrect administration, suggesting potential misuse. The majority of adverse events are non-serious, but the high volume of reports indicates a need for continued monitoring.

Patients taking Guaifenesin should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Guaifenesin may interact with other respiratory medications, and incorrect administration can lead to serious adverse events such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 65/100

Guaifenesin received a safety concern score of 65/100 (elevated concern). This is based on a 49.6% serious event ratio across 29,377 classified reports. The score accounts for 61,553 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This elevated score indicates a notable proportion of serious adverse events and warrants careful monitoring.

Top Adverse Reactions

DRUG INEFFECTIVE2,450 reports
DYSPNOEA2,179 reports
FATIGUE1,782 reports
NAUSEA1,742 reports
DIARRHOEA1,645 reports
PNEUMONIA1,643 reports
COUGH1,557 reports
HEADACHE1,506 reports
DIZZINESS1,400 reports
PAIN1,252 reports
OFF LABEL USE980 reports
VOMITING943 reports
ASTHENIA929 reports
DEATH918 reports
FALL887 reports
SINUSITIS844 reports
MALAISE841 reports
INSOMNIA821 reports
ANXIETY780 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED754 reports
COVID 19750 reports
PYREXIA748 reports
RASH744 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION723 reports
BRONCHITIS695 reports
ARTHRALGIA689 reports
PRURITUS673 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS657 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL652 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY633 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION633 reports
CONSTIPATION632 reports
BACK PAIN602 reports
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE602 reports
HYPERTENSION588 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED581 reports
NO ADVERSE EVENT581 reports
SOMNOLENCE568 reports
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE563 reports
INCORRECT DRUG ADMINISTRATION DURATION553 reports
CHEST PAIN547 reports
RENAL FAILURE536 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE525 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER523 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED520 reports
ASTHMA509 reports
DECREASED APPETITE508 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE508 reports
DEPRESSION497 reports
HYPOTENSION489 reports
PRODUCTIVE COUGH483 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY472 reports
ANAEMIA444 reports
ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE432 reports
WRONG TECHNIQUE IN PRODUCT USAGE PROCESS414 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN413 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING409 reports
DEHYDRATION408 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS408 reports
UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION407 reports
OEDEMA PERIPHERAL405 reports
OVERDOSE401 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT398 reports
GASTROOESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE396 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY396 reports
TREMOR392 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY386 reports
INAPPROPRIATE SCHEDULE OF PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION385 reports
CARDIAC FAILURE CONGESTIVE383 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE382 reports
NASAL CONGESTION380 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED370 reports
CHEST DISCOMFORT369 reports
OROPHARYNGEAL PAIN368 reports
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION354 reports
ERYTHEMA348 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE343 reports
INFLUENZA335 reports
INFECTION334 reports
HEART RATE INCREASED329 reports
WHEEZING328 reports
OXYGEN SATURATION DECREASED321 reports
EPISTAXIS320 reports
PALPITATIONS320 reports
INCORRECT PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION DURATION309 reports
DYSPHAGIA307 reports
CHILLS301 reports
URTICARIA301 reports
SEPSIS299 reports
RHINORRHOEA297 reports
RESPIRATORY FAILURE294 reports
DYSPEPSIA293 reports
CONTUSION290 reports
MYALGIA287 reports
DRY MOUTH281 reports
PARAESTHESIA280 reports
ILLNESS278 reports
VISION BLURRED275 reports
DYSPHONIA274 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA272 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Pneumonia and death are key safety signals, indicating potential respiratory risks.
  • Off-label use and incorrect administration are frequent, highlighting misuse concerns.
  • A high volume of reports for dyspnea and fatigue suggests respiratory and general fatigue issues.
  • Serious adverse events, though less frequent, are notable, including respiratory failure and sepsis.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 17,339, Male: 10,060, Unknown: 22. The most frequently reported age groups are age 71 (486 reports), age 68 (476 reports), age 73 (461 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 29,377 classified reports for GUAIFENESIN:

  • Serious: 14,577 reports (49.6%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 14,800 reports (50.4%)
Serious 49.6%Non-Serious 50.4%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female17,339 (63.2%)
Male10,060 (36.7%)
Unknown22 (0.1%)

Reports by Age

Age 71486 reports
Age 68476 reports
Age 73461 reports
Age 65459 reports
Age 70457 reports
Age 67447 reports
Age 64439 reports
Age 72439 reports
Age 69437 reports
Age 63435 reports
Age 66431 reports
Age 74430 reports
Age 76416 reports
Age 75404 reports
Age 61402 reports
Age 62400 reports
Age 77398 reports
Age 60379 reports
Age 80376 reports
Age 79355 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Guaifenesin may interact with other respiratory medications, and incorrect administration can lead to serious adverse events such as pneumonia and respiratory failure.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Guaifenesin, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include drug ineffective, dyspnoea, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Always follow the prescribed dosage and instructions for use. Report any adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch program for further evaluation. Avoid using Guaifenesin for off-label purposes unless directed by a healthcare provider. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

Regulatory oversight is ongoing, with a focus on monitoring misuse and ensuring correct administration to minimize risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Guaifenesin?

The FDA has received approximately 61,553 adverse event reports associated with Guaifenesin. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Guaifenesin?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Guaifenesin include Drug Ineffective, Dyspnoea, Fatigue, Nausea, Diarrhoea. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Drug Ineffective (2,450 reports), Dyspnoea (2,179 reports), Fatigue (1,782 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Guaifenesin.

What percentage of Guaifenesin adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 29,377 classified reports, 14,577 (49.6%) were classified as serious and 14,800 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Guaifenesin (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Guaifenesin break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 17,339, Male: 10,060, Unknown: 22. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Guaifenesin?

The most frequently reported age groups for Guaifenesin adverse events are: age 71: 486 reports, age 68: 476 reports, age 73: 461 reports, age 65: 459 reports, age 70: 457 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Guaifenesin?

The primary manufacturer associated with Guaifenesin adverse event reports is Rb Health (Us) Llc. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Guaifenesin?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Guaifenesin include: Pneumonia, Cough, Headache, Dizziness, Pain. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Guaifenesin?

You can report adverse events from Guaifenesin to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Guaifenesin's safety score and what does it mean?

Guaifenesin has a safety concern score of 65 out of 100 (elevated concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. The most common adverse reactions include dyspnea, fatigue, and nausea, indicating potential respiratory and gastrointestinal effects.

What are the key safety signals for Guaifenesin?

Key safety signals identified in Guaifenesin's adverse event data include: Pneumonia and death are key safety signals, indicating potential respiratory risks.. Off-label use and incorrect administration are frequent, highlighting misuse concerns.. A high volume of reports for dyspnea and fatigue suggests respiratory and general fatigue issues.. Serious adverse events, though less frequent, are notable, including respiratory failure and sepsis.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Guaifenesin interact with other drugs?

Guaifenesin may interact with other respiratory medications, and incorrect administration can lead to serious adverse events such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Guaifenesin.

What should patients know before taking Guaifenesin?

Always follow the prescribed dosage and instructions for use. Report any adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch program for further evaluation. Avoid using Guaifenesin for off-label purposes unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Are Guaifenesin side effects well-documented?

Guaifenesin has 61,553 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. Serious adverse events, such as pneumonia and death, are reported but at a lower frequency compared to non-serious events. The volume of reports for Guaifenesin reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Guaifenesin?

Regulatory oversight is ongoing, with a focus on monitoring misuse and ensuring correct administration to minimize risks. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to GUAIFENESIN based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

PhenylephrinePseudoephedrineAcetaminophenDextromethorphanDiphenhydramine
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.