No, guaifenesin AC does not contain codeine. Guaifenesin AC is an over-the-counter cough medicine that contains guaifenesin as the active ingredient. Codeine is an opioid pain medication that requires a prescription. While some cough medicines do contain codeine, guaifenesin AC is codeine-free.
What is guaifenesin AC?
Guaifenesin AC is an over-the-counter cough medicine manufactured by Perrigo Company. It contains 200 mg of guaifenesin per 5 mL. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps thin mucus secretions in the airways. Thinner mucus can be coughed up more easily, helping relieve cough congestion. The “AC” in guaifenesin AC stands for “allergy cough.”
Active ingredient
The active ingredient in guaifenesin AC is guaifenesin or guaiphenesin. Guaifenesin works by thinning mucus secretions, making coughs more productive. It is often used to help loosen mucus and phlegm associated with colds, flu, and allergies. Guaifenesin increases the flow of water and electrolytes into mucus membranes. This thins mucus secretions so they can be coughed up more easily.
Uses
Guaifenesin AC is used to help relieve cough congestion and chest congestion caused by colds, flu, and allergies. By thinning mucus, it can relieve chest congestion and make coughs more productive. It is often used when having thick mucus that is difficult to cough up.
Guaifenesin AC may also temporarily relieve sinus congestion, but does not treat the cause of congestion. It should not be used long term for chronic congestion without consulting a doctor.
Formulation
Guaifenesin AC comes in 5 mL packets. Each 5 mL contains:
- Guaifenesin 200 mg
- Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg (cough suppressant)
- Phenylephrine HCl 5 mg (nasal decongestant)
It also contains inactive ingredients like artificial berry flavor, citric acid, D&C Red #33, edetate disodium, glycerin, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, sucralose, and xanthan gum.
Is guaifenesin AC safe?
When used as directed, guaifenesin AC is generally considered safe for adults and children over 4 years old. However, there are some precautions to consider:
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as this can increase side effects.
- Do not use if you have an allergy to guaifenesin or any inactive ingredients.
- Consult a doctor before use if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, cough with excessive phlegm, or persistent cough.
- Consult a doctor before use in children under 4 years old.
- Stop use and consult a doctor if cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash, headache, or sore throat.
When used as directed, guaifenesin is considered safe. But misuse or overdose can cause side effects like dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and nervousness.
Side effects
When used occasionally and in normal doses, guaifenesin AC rarely causes side effects. However, some people may experience:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Hives
More serious side effects are unlikely but possible if guaifenesin AC is misused, abused, or overdosed. Symptoms may include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Severe dizziness
- Mental confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Fainting
- Uncontrolled vomiting
- Seizures
Seek medical care immediately if you experience any serious side effects after taking guaifenesin AC.
Drug interactions
The decongestant phenylephrine HCl in guaifenesin AC can potentially interact with other medications. Possible drug interactions include:
- Antidepressants like MAOIs – may increase blood pressure
- Stimulants like amphetamines – may increase blood pressure and cardiovascular risk
- Diuretics – decreased effectiveness due to decreased blood pressure
- Beta-blockers – increased risk of elevated blood pressure
The cough suppressant dextromethorphan HBr may interact with antidepressants like SSRIs, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and MAOIs. It can also interact with linezolid and IV methylene blue.
To be safe, always check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking guaifenesin AC with other medications. Interactions are not common, but possible.
Is guaifenesin AC addictive?
No, guaifenesin AC is not habit-forming and does not have addiction potential. The active ingredient guaifenesin does not cause any high or euphoria. It is not classified as a controlled substance.
Some key points about guaifenesin AC and addiction:
- It does not provide a high and has no euphoric effects.
- It has no potential for recreational abuse or addiction.
- It is not a controlled substance.
- It is not habit-forming with regular use as directed.
- There is no evidence that guaifenesin causes dependence or addiction.
The other ingredients in guaifenesin AC also have no addiction potential. Dextromethorphan acts on cough centers in the brain but does not cause euphoria or a high in recommended doses. Phenylephrine is a nasal decongestant that does not cause dependence.
No drug dependence
Drug dependence happens when someone relies on a drug to function normally. This dependence can be physical or psychological. Guaifenesin does not cause either type of dependence, even with regular, long-term use based on label directions.
There are no withdrawal effects when someone stops taking guaifenesin after daily use. It does not cause cravings or urges to keep taking the drug like addictive substances do. Therefore, guaifenesin AC carries no risk of dependence or addiction.
Safe for long-term use
Guaifenesin AC can be used safely on a regular, long-term basis to control chronic coughs. For example, people with chronic bronchitis may take it daily to help clear mucus and cough more effectively. Regular long-term use does not lead to tolerance, dependence, or addiction.
However, it’s important not to exceed the recommended dosage when taking guaifenesin AC regularly. The typical adult dose is 5 mL every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 20 mL (4 doses) in 24 hours.
Differences from codeine cough syrups
While guaifenesin AC does not contain codeine, some cough syrups do. Codeine is an opioid that acts directly on the cough reflex in the brain. Key differences between codeine cough syrups and guaifenesin AC include:
- Ingredients – Codeine cough syrups contain codeine and/or other opioids like hydrocodone or morphine. Guaifenesin AC contains guaifenesin, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine.
- Effectiveness – Codeine is more potent at suppressing coughs. But guaifenesin also thins mucus to help clear coughs.
- Risk of dependence – Codeine has a significant risk of dependence and addiction. Guaifenesin AC has no risk of dependence.
- Legality – Codeine cough syrups are controlled substances. Guaifenesin AC is available over-the-counter.
- Side effects – Codeine may cause more drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, and constipation.
While codeine can be more powerful at suppressing coughs, it also comes with more risks. Guaifenesin provides cough relief without the same concerns about dependence and side effects.
No euphoric high
Unlike codeine cough syrups, guaifenesin AC does not produce any euphoric effects or “high.” Codeine is an opioid narcotic that acts on the brain to change pain perception and alter mood. This can produce a euphoric high, especially in high doses.
Guaifenesin works differently by thinning mucus secretions. It has no direct effects on the brain or mental state. Therefore, guaifenesin products like guaifenesin AC have no potential for abuse and do not produce a high.
Over-the-counter availability
Guaifenesin AC is available over-the-counter without a prescription. But codeine cough syrups require a doctor’s prescription and are monitored as controlled substances due to the risk of abuse and dependence.
Purchasing codeine cough syrups illegally without a prescription is dangerous and can lead to overdose. Guaifenesin products can be purchased safely over-the-counter without the same concerns.
Conclusion
In summary, guaifenesin AC does not contain codeine. It contains the expectorant guaifenesin as well as a cough suppressant and nasal decongestant. When used as directed, guaifenesin AC is safe and non-habit forming. Unlike codeine cough syrups, it has no risk of dependence or addiction and cannot produce a euphoric high. Guaifenesin AC provides effective cough relief without the same risks as codeine products.
References
Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Syrup. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/pro/guaifenesin-and-dextromethorphan-hydrobromide-syrup.html.
Know Your Dose: Guaifenesin. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/know-your-dose-guaifenesin.
Guaifenesin: MedlinePlus Drug Information. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682403.html.
Phenylephrine: Drug Information. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/phenylephrine-drug-information?search=phenylephrine&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~48&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#F3256510.
Codeine vs. Guaifenesin for Cough: Differences & Side Effects. Drugsdb. https://www.drugsdb.com/rx/codeine-vs-guaifenesin-for-cough-differences-side-effects/.
Cough Medicine FAQ. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/17767-cough-medicine-faq.
Guaifenesin vs Codeine Comparison Table
| Feature | Guaifenesin (guaifenesin AC) | Codeine cough syrup |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Guaifenesin (expectorant) | Codeine (opioid narcotic) |
| Legality | Available over-the-counter | Prescription only (controlled substance) |
| Potential for dependence | No – not addictive | Yes – high risk of dependence |
| Produces a “high” | No | Yes |
| Onset of action | 30-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Duration of effect | 4-8 hours | 4-6 hours |
| Cough relief mechanism | Thins mucus secretions | Suppresses cough reflex |
