International reference: 6 US FDA recalls for this ingredient
Presence of Precipitate; white substance confirmed as Guaifenesin, an active ingredient was observed in some bottles. (expectorant)
Labeling: Label Mix-Up; Bottles of Mucinex Fast-Max liquid are correctly labeled on the front of the label, however the back of the bottle where the Drug Facts labeling is, is missing certain Active Ingredients such as acetaminophen, phenylephrine, dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and/or guaifenes (expectorant)
Defective Delivery System: Firm recalled Guaifenesin liquid and Guaifenesin DM liquid due incorrect dose markings on the dosing cups. (expectorant)
CGMP Deviations: Products are underdosed or have an incorrect dosage regime. (expectorant)
Labeling: Incorrect Instructions; The product has been found to provide incorrect dosage information on its label due to a typographical error. The drug facts label incorrectly states children 6 to under 2 years of age, 1 teaspoonful every 4 hours, not to exceed 4 teaspoonfuls in 24 hours or directe (expectorant)
CGMP Deviations: Products are underdosed or have an incorrect dosage regime. (expectorant)
US-market enforcement records (OpenFDA), shown for reference - not specific to this product in Kenya.
LISCORIL SYRUP
COUGH EXPECTORANT
What it does
Cough medicine helps relieve coughing and soothe the throat.
Commonly used for: cough, dry cough, productive cough
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Hard to find? We help patients in Kenya source rare medicines. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 20:39:00 · updated 2026-07-26 11:29:39
About cough
Cough medicine helps relieve coughing and soothe the throat.
What it treats
- cough
- dry cough
- productive cough
How it works
It works by soothing the throat and reducing the urge to cough.
Who it's for
This medicine is suitable for anyone experiencing a cough.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About expectorant
Expectorants help to loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear from the lungs.
What it treats
- cough due to colds
- chest congestion
How it works
They work by thinning the mucus in your airways, which helps to clear it out when you cough.
Who it's for
Adults and children who have a cough with mucus.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: cough
BNF-referencedCough refers to a reflex action to clear the airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign particles. It can be acute or chronic and is often associated with respiratory conditions such as infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or allergies. The management of cough may involve various pharmacological agents, including cough suppressants, expectorants, and mucolytics, depending on the underlying cause and symptomatology.
Indications
- Acute cough
- Chronic cough
- Cough due to respiratory infections
- Cough associated with asthma
- Cough in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Allergic cough
- Post-nasal drip syndrome
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information based on the selected medication and age of the child.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing information based on the selected medication and indication for cough.
Mechanism of action
Cough medications can act through various mechanisms depending on their classification. Cough suppressants (antitussives) like dextromethorphan inhibit the cough reflex in the brain, while expectorants like guaifenesin increase mucus secretion, making it easier to expel. Mucolytics, such as acetylcysteine, break down mucus structure, facilitating clearance from the airways.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of cough medications vary widely. Antitussives primarily reduce the sensitivity of the cough reflex pathways in the central nervous system. Expectorants promote increased mucus production and reduce viscosity, aiding in expectoration. Mucolytics alter the physical properties of mucus, enhancing its clearance from the respiratory tract.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of cough medications differ among classes. Antitussives are generally well-absorbed orally, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours. They are metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily through urine. Expectorants and mucolytics also exhibit similar absorption profiles and are eliminated through renal pathways, although their metabolism may involve different enzymatic processes in the liver.
Pregnancy
Consult with a healthcare provider for advice regarding use during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Consult a healthcare provider before use during breastfeeding.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: expectorant
Expectorants are medications that facilitate the clearance of mucus from the airways by increasing the production and expulsion of respiratory secretions. They are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of cough associated with respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and other conditions characterized by excessive mucus. The most widely recognized expectorants include guaifenesin, which enhances mucosal secretion, and other formulations that may contain various herbal or synthetic ingredients.
Indications
- Cough with mucus production
- Bronchitis
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Sinusitis
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific paediatric dosing guidelines, as they will vary based on the child's age and weight.
Adults: Refer to the specific product's prescribing information for adult dosing guidelines, as it may vary based on formulation and concentration.
Mechanism of action
Expectorants primarily work by stimulating the secretory glands in the respiratory tract, leading to increased mucus production. This helps to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up. Guaifenesin, for example, is thought to act by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of secretions in the airways, thereby promoting productive cough.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effects of expectorants are characterized by their ability to enhance mucociliary clearance and reduce the thickness of mucus. This action helps to improve airway patency, facilitates breathing, and reduces the frequency of coughing fits. The effectiveness of expectorants is often enhanced when combined with adequate hydration, which further aids in the thinning of mucus.
Pharmacokinetics
Expectorants are generally well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The onset of action typically occurs within 30 minutes to 1 hour after administration. The elimination half-life varies depending on the specific compound, but they are usually metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine. The duration of action can range from 4 to 6 hours, necessitating multiple doses throughout the day for sustained effect.
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Headache
Interactions
- Antitussives may reduce the effectiveness of expectorants.
- Concurrent use with other respiratory depressants may increase the risk of respiratory failure.
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Assess for potential allergic reactions.
- Monitor for signs of excessive mucus production.
Pregnancy
Consult a healthcare professional before use, as safety during pregnancy has not been fully established.
Breast-feeding
Consult a healthcare professional before use, as the effects on nursing infants are not well studied.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Formulations
- Oral syrups
- Tablets
- Lozenges
- Inhalation solutions
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: cough
PubChem CID 11705476Molecular formula: C28H39NO5
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.