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Health Library Expectorants for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)From Healthwise

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Expectorants for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Examples

Generic NameBrand Name
guaifenesinMucinex

Guaifenesin is available in tablet, capsule, or liquid form. Your doctor will help you decide which form is best for you.

How It Works

Expectorants may keep mucus from sticking to the airways of the lungs, making it easier to cough the mucus up. Expectorants may not help people with COPD and are no longer commonly used.

Why It Is Used

Expectorants may be used in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when it is difficult to cough up mucus from the lungs. But expectorants are not commonly used for COPD treatment.

How Well It Works

Expectorants may bring some relief from symptoms, but may not improve lung function.

Side Effects

Some people who use guaifenesin experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rash, and itching.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

The best way to reduce development of mucus is to stop smoking.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerCaroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKen Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology
Last RevisedMay 4, 2010

Last Revised: May 4, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine & Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

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