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What is Guaifenesin?

R. Anacan
R. Anacan

Guaifenesin is a medication that is most commonly used to loosen mucus and phlegm and to clear the symptoms of congestion resulting from a cold or allergy. It is considered an expectorant and works by thinning mucus and phlegm in the body. The thinning action makes it easier for the body to expel excess mucus and phlegm, generally through coughing or the blowing of the nose.

This medication was originally derived from the bark of the guaiacum tree and is believed to have been first used in the 1500s for the treatment of ailments such as rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Today, guaifenesin may be found in pill or liquid form, or it may be combined with other forms of medication such as codeine or pseudoephedrine, to provide relief from cold, flu and allergy symptoms. Lower doses of the medication may be purchased over-the-counter, while higher doses may only be available with a prescription.

Guaifenesin may not be the best treatment option for a person suffering from fibromyalgia.
Guaifenesin may not be the best treatment option for a person suffering from fibromyalgia.

Guaifenesin is also believed by some to be a useful component of a fibromyalgia treatment program. Fibromyalgia is a condition categorized, in part, by chronic pain and fatigue, swelling of joints and muscles, sleep difficulty, and problems with the skin, eyes and the digestive system. Those who recommend taking this medication for the treatment of fibromyalgia believe that it may help to reduce the swelling and pain commonly associated with the condition.

Guaifenesin is commonly used to loosen mucus and phlegm and to clear the symptoms of congestion.
Guaifenesin is commonly used to loosen mucus and phlegm and to clear the symptoms of congestion.

Proponents of what is sometimes known as the guaifenesin protocol believe that some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, especially the chronic pain and swelling of the joints and muscles, are caused by calcium phosphate deposits in the body. According to this theory, if the body is not able to properly remove the excess levels of phosphate, it combines with calcium in the muscles, causing swelling and pain. Guaifenesin is believed to help remove phosphates from the body; therefore proponents of the protocol suggest that taking it will help the body eliminate the calcium phosphate deposits that cause pain and swelling.

Guaifenesin may be combined with pseudoephedrine.
Guaifenesin may be combined with pseudoephedrine.

There appears to be no major scientific studies that prove that guaifenesin can alleviate some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. In fact, some studies show that subjects using the medication had no appreciable difference in relief of their fibromyalgia symptoms over those subjects that were given placebos. However, there are reports of people who have experienced relief by using guaifenesin. With so much varied and differing information, it is recommended that those interested in using guaifenesin as part of a fibromyalgia treatment program discuss the situation with their doctor or health care provider.

Discussion Comments

anacan

I believe the article stated the fact that there are no major studies that show a definitive, widespread benefit to using guaifenesin by those with fibromyalgia.

However, because some people (such as yourself) have seen benefits from using guaifenesin, we recommended that anyone interested in the protocol consult with their doctor. Believe me, I am very familiar with fibromyalgia and would not want to steer anyone away from something that has been shown to improve symptoms.

I am thrilled that you have been reversed from fibromyalgia as it can be so debilitating.

anon69107

It is great that you mention the guaifenesin protocol, but you are not doing anyone any justice by not including that in order to do the

protocol properly, you must not rub plant oils, plant gels, or plant extracts on your skin in order for it to work.

I am fully reversed from Fibo since sept. 2005 because I did it properly. If you don't, it will give the guia protocol a bad name and people won't think it works when it can.

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    • Guaifenesin may not be the best treatment option for a person suffering from fibromyalgia.
      By: vadymvdrobot
      Guaifenesin may not be the best treatment option for a person suffering from fibromyalgia.
    • Guaifenesin is commonly used to loosen mucus and phlegm and to clear the symptoms of congestion.
      By: Halfpoint
      Guaifenesin is commonly used to loosen mucus and phlegm and to clear the symptoms of congestion.
    • Guaifenesin may be combined with pseudoephedrine.
      By: Arvind Balaraman
      Guaifenesin may be combined with pseudoephedrine.
    • Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain and fatigue, and appears to cluster within families.
      By: bst2012
      Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain and fatigue, and appears to cluster within families.
    • Guaifenesin was originally used to treat gout and other arthritic conditions.
      By: p6m5
      Guaifenesin was originally used to treat gout and other arthritic conditions.
    • Guaifenesin can often be found in cough syrup.
      By: pogonici
      Guaifenesin can often be found in cough syrup.