Expectorant Medicines

Iodinated Glycerol

• Iodinated glycerol is an expectorant that has been used to treat lung diseases such as bronchitis, asthma and cystic fibrosis by helping to clear mucus from the lungs. It is primarily given in tablet form but also comes in a liquid. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting for the first several days.
  
  

Guaifenesin

• Guaifenesin is one of the most commonly used expectorants and the only expectorant available in an over-the-counter formulation. Guaifenesin comes in the form of a tablet, liquid and capsule. Side effects are uncommon; however, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting can occur in higher-than-average dosages.
  
  

Combination Medications

• Many expectorant medications are created by combining guaifenesin and another drug. A few of these include Hycotuss, Benylin and Triaminic.
  
  

Hycotuss

• Hycotuss expectorant is a combination of guaifenesin and hydrocodone, marketed under various brand names, including A-Cof DH, Codiclear DH and Vitussin Expectorant. The guaifenesin serves as the principal expectorant, whereas the hydrocodone is used as a cough suppressant. Hycotuss is used to treat congestion and nonproductive coughing caused by the flu, a cold or allergies. This medication is generally offered as a syrup. Hycotuss may be habit-forming due to its narcotic component, hydrocodone.
  
  

Benylin

• Benylin is an expectorant consisting of guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. A few of its numerous brand names include Allfen DM, Aquatab DM, Benylin Expectorant, Mucinex DM, Mucinex Children's Cough and Vicks 44E. In this medication, dextromethorphan serves as a cough suppressant, with guaifenesin being used as the expectorant agent. Benylin is used to treat chest congestion and coughs caused by infections, allergies or colds. It is not appropriate for children below the age of 2 years.
  
  

Triaminic

• Triaminic is a combination of guaifenesin and phenylephrine (which replaced phenylpropanolamine). Triaminic is sold under several brands, such as Ami-Tex LA, Dayquil Sinus Pressure and Congestion, Guiatex LA, Nasahist LA and Triaminic Expectorant. Guaifenesin is used as the expectorant agent, while phenylephrine is a nasal and sinus decongestant. Phenylephrine replaced phenylpropanolamine in Triaminic's formulation because phenylpropanolamine had been linked with an increased risk of hemorrhagic strokes. Phenylpropanolamine was eventually banned by the FDA.