GUAIACETIN Meaning and
Definition
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Guaiacetin, also known as glyceryl guaiacolate, is a chemical compound that belongs to the group of expectorant medications. It is derived from guaiacol, which is obtained from the resin of guaiacum trees, commonly found in the Caribbean and South America. Guaiacetin is typically administered orally and used as an active ingredient in cough syrups and cold medications to relieve chest congestion associated with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and the common cold.
As an expectorant, guaiacetin works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, aiding its expulsion through coughing. It helps to facilitate the removal of excess secretions from the lungs, making it easier for individuals to breathe. Moreover, guaiacetin has mild local anesthetic properties, soothing irritations in the throat and air passages associated with persistent coughing.
Due to its expectorant action, guaiacetin helps to alleviate symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing caused by excessive mucus production. However, it is important to note that guaiacetin is not recommended for long-term use and should be used according to the guidance of a healthcare professional. Like any medication, it may have potential side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbances, and allergic reactions.
Overall, guaiacetin is a pharmaceutical agent utilized to improve respiratory conditions by promoting the removal of mucus and reducing cough severity, ultimately providing relief to individuals suffering from congestion and related symptoms.
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Guacetin, sodium pyrocatechin-monoacetate; a white powder recommended in tuberculosis in dose of gr. 7 1/2 (0.5).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GUAIACETIN
- guiacetin
- fuaiacetin
- vuaiacetin
- buaiacetin
- huaiacetin
- yuaiacetin
- tuaiacetin
- gyaiacetin
- ghaiacetin
- gjaiacetin
- giaiacetin
- g8aiacetin
- g7aiacetin
- guziacetin
- gusiacetin
- guwiacetin
- guqiacetin
- guauacetin
- guajacetin
- guakacetin
Etymology of GUAIACETIN
The word "guaiacetin" is derived from the combination of two components: "guaiac" and "etin".
1. "Guaiac" refers to guaiacum, a resin obtained from the wood of certain tropical American trees, particularly Guaiacum officinale or Guaiacum sanctum. Guaiac resin was historically used for various medicinal purposes due to its expectorant and mild analgesic properties.
2. "-etin" is a suffix that is commonly used in chemistry to denote esters. An ester is a chemical compound formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol, resulting in the elimination of a water molecule.
Combining these two components, "guaiacetin" refers to the ester formed from the combination of guaiacol, a derivative of guaiac, and acetic acid.
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