Efficacy of high-dose guaifenesin in the treatment of sinusitis in atopic pediatric patients

Various adjunctive treatments are used by clinicians in the treatment of sinusitis. This prospective, randomized double-blinded study evaluates the efficacy of high-dose guaifenesin as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of sinusitis in children. Patients entered the study based on a composite score combining clinical and radiographic evidence of sinusitis. Twenty-six children were treated with the maximum Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved dose of guaifenesin based on age, and 23 children received placebo. Both groups were prescribed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 10 ng/kg/day based on the trimethoprim component. After 20 days, a post-treatment composite score was determined based on clinical and radiographic evaluation. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the post-treatment composite scores or the number of subjects requiring additional therapy for unresolved sinusitis. There is no apparent benefit from the use of guaifenesin in addition to antimicrobial when compared with treatment with antimicrobial alone.