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What is Guaifenesin?
Guaifenesin is a common component of many cold and cough remedies that helps
loosen and liquefy mucous. Derived from a tree bark extract called guaiacum, it was first used
to treat rheumatism during the 16th century. Twenty years ago, the extract was
synthesized, pressed into tablets and named guaifenesin. Today, there are many
formulations of guaifenesin available; the most popular being FDA approved extended
release tablets that deliver both immediate and long lasting effects.
How Does Guaifenesin Work?
Paul St. Amand, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Endocrinology at Harbor-UCLA
medical center and founder of the guaifenesin protocol believes guaifenesin
therapy can significantly help patients combat their symptoms of pain and fatigue and
lead normal, healthy lives. Dr. St. Amand’s theory of the medicinal effects
of guaifenesin is based on the premise that excess calcium and inorganic
phosphate compounds accumulate within cells to produce a state of hyperpermeability in many patients.
This condition allows excess fluids, ions and other unwanted substances to flow
into cell mitochondria, disrupting normal cell function, including production
of ATP, the body’s energy source. Dr. St. Amand believes these factors
cause the body to experience an energy deprived state, in which widespread bodily
functions are disrupted. Dr. St. Amand also feels a possible genetic defect
in some patients may be responsible for the abnormality in natural phosphate excretion,
thus resulting in the buildup of these chemicals and subsequent symptoms.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant with weakly uricosuric effects
that has been shown to effectively release these phosphate and oxalate compounds
from the body through urine. In a survey of Dr. St. Amand’s patients,
24 hour urine samples taken as they began the guaifenesin program showed a 60
percent increase in the excretion of phosphate, as well as a rise in both calcium
and oxalate excretion of 30 percent when taking guaifenesin.
FDA Approved Guaifenesin Extended
Release Tablets
FDA approved extended release guaifenesin tablets are used exclusively by Dr.
St. Amand in his guaifenesin protocol. This two layered guaifenesin tablet provides
a quick release, rapid action dose of guaifenesin, while the exclusive extended
release layer disseminates a continued level of guaifenesin into the body that
lasts a full 12 hours. Other direct, non-extended release formulas take up to
two hours to be completely absorbed by the intestinal tract and have more limited
lasting effects.
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