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Guaiacolsulfonate

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

Guaiacolsulfonate is an expectorant medication used to help relieve respiratory congestion by loosening and thinning mucus in the airways. It is commonly prescribed for conditions involving excessive or thick respiratory secretions, making it easier for patients to clear their airways through productive coughing.

Quick summary

Guaiacolsulfonate is an expectorant that helps loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract in conditions like bronchitis and chest congestion.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
R05CA09
RxNorm
636827
Generic
Guaiacolsulfonate
Class
atc-r05
Brands
Hy-KXP
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
solution
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Consult local poison control center for specific information
Chronic overdose: Varies by patient
Immediate actions
Call poison control center: 1-800-222-1222
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

12 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if clearly needed, avoid during first trimester unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular prenatal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh risks, consult healthcare provider

Monitor

routine prenatal care

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

avoid close to delivery, use only if necessary

Monitor

monitor for uterine activity

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

lactation

breastfeeding
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid or discontinue breastfeeding

Key Recommendations

discontinue breastfeeding or avoid use, consult physician for alternative

Monitor

monitor infant for unusual symptoms

✗

pediatric_age

under 2 years
contraindicated
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

do not use

Key Recommendations

not recommended for infants under 2 years due to risk of respiratory depression

Monitor

respiratory monitoring if exposed

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pediatric_age

2 to 6 years
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduced dose, use with caution

Key Recommendations

use only under medical supervision, appropriate pediatric formulation recommended

Monitor

monitor for adverse effects

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pediatric_age

6 to 12 years
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

dose per weight, do not exceed adult dose

Key Recommendations

use as directed, pediatric formulation preferred

Monitor

standard monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

geriatric

elderly
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

start with lowest effective dose

Key Recommendations

standard dosing, monitor renal/hepatic function

Monitor

monitor renal and hepatic function periodically

✓

renal_impairment

mild renal impairment
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

standard dosing acceptable

Monitor

routine monitoring

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate severe renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution, consider dose reduction

Key Recommendations

use with caution, monitor renal function

Monitor

monitor renal function more frequently

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

hepatic_impairment

mild hepatic impairment
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

standard dosing acceptable

Monitor

routine monitoring

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate severe hepatic impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh risks, monitor liver function

Monitor

monitor liver function tests

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1970s

General prescribing information for Guaiacolsulfonate

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Expectorant/Mucolytic

Drug class information for Guaiacolsulfonate

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Respiratory conditions, cough relief, mucus clearance

Common therapeutic uses

mechanismPharmacology databases
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Stimulates respiratory tract secretions, reduces mucus viscosity

Pharmacological mechanism of action

Used to treat respiratory conditions with excessive or thick mucus, including bronchitis, common cold, chest congestion, and other upper respiratory tract infections where expectoration is difficult.

As an expectorant, it works by stimulating the secretion of fluid in the respiratory tract, which helps to thin and loosen thick mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from the airways.

Should be taken with adequate fluids to enhance its effectiveness. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications. Not recommended for chronic productive coughs without medical supervision.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy