Comprehensive medication guide to Mar-Cof CG including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$20 copay on most commercial plans and Medicare Part D; typically placed on Tier 1 or Tier 2 as a generic. Some plans may require prior authorization for opioid-containing products.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Retail price for Mar-Cof CG (16 oz bottle) is approximately $22 without insurance; with a GoodRx coupon the price drops to as low as $11.66. Generic codeine/guaifenesin may cost even less.
Medfinder Findability Score
65/100
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Mar-Cof CG is a prescription combination cough syrup manufactured by Marnel Pharmaceuticals, LLC and distributed by Allegis Pharmaceuticals, LLC. Each 5 mL (one teaspoon) contains codeine phosphate 7.5 mg and guaifenesin 225 mg. The formulation is alcohol-free and sugar-free, making it suitable for patients who need to avoid these ingredients.
Mar-Cof CG is used for the temporary relief of cough and chest congestion caused by the common cold, flu, or allergies. It is a DEA Schedule V controlled substance due to its codeine content, which means a valid prescription is required in all states.
Other brand names for the same codeine/guaifenesin combination include Guaiatussin AC, Cheratussin AC (now discontinued), Allfen CD, and Robitussin AC, as well as numerous generic formulations. Mar-Cof CG is available in 16 fl oz (473 mL) bottles.
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Mar-Cof CG works through two complementary mechanisms. Codeine phosphate is an opioid antitussive that acts centrally — it binds to opioid receptors in the brain's medullary cough center, raising the threshold required to trigger the cough reflex. This reduces both the frequency and severity of coughing. Codeine is metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP2D6 into morphine, which is responsible for most of its antitussive activity.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works peripherally in the respiratory tract. It stimulates secretory glands in the bronchial passages to produce additional fluid, which dilutes and thins mucus in the airways — making it less viscous and easier to cough up or clear naturally.
Together, these two mechanisms address both the urge to cough (suppressed by codeine) and the mucus causing it (thinned by guaifenesin) — providing dual-action relief. Most patients notice effects within 30–60 minutes of dosing, with effects typically lasting 4–6 hours.
7.5 mg / 225 mg per 5 mL — oral solution (syrup)
Codeine phosphate 7.5 mg and guaifenesin 225 mg per teaspoon (5 mL); alcohol-free, sugar-free; available in 16 fl oz (473 mL) bottles
Mar-Cof CG is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list, but patients frequently report difficulty filling prescriptions. As a DEA Schedule V controlled substance, pharmacies must maintain special DEA compliance records to stock it. Many independent and smaller chain pharmacies choose not to carry it due to the administrative burden and lower demand compared to OTC alternatives.
Large chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger) are more likely to have Mar-Cof CG in stock. Availability also varies seasonally — during peak cold and flu season (October–March), pharmacies that maintain minimal inventory may run out more frequently.
If you're having trouble finding Mar-Cof CG, medfinder can help. medfinder calls pharmacies near you on your behalf to check which ones have your medication in stock, then texts you the results — saving you 30–60 minutes of hold time.
Mar-Cof CG is a Schedule V controlled substance, the lowest (least restrictive) DEA schedule. Any licensed healthcare provider with DEA prescriber registration can prescribe it after a clinically appropriate evaluation. No specialty referral is required.
Telehealth prescribing of Schedule V medications is permitted in many states, but varies by state law and telehealth platform policy. Check with your telehealth provider before the visit to confirm they can prescribe controlled substances in your state.
Yes. Mar-Cof CG is classified as a DEA Schedule V controlled substance because it contains codeine, an opioid with recognized potential for abuse and dependence. Schedule V is the least restrictive controlled substance category, but it still carries meaningful regulatory implications.
As a Schedule V drug, Mar-Cof CG requires a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber with DEA registration. Pharmacies must maintain separate DEA records for every Schedule V product they dispense. Refill rules apply, and in some states, additional requirements may apply at the state level (some states treat codeine cough preparations as Schedule III or higher).
Misuse of Mar-Cof CG can lead to addiction, overdose, and death. The FDA requires a boxed warning on all codeine products about the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and respiratory depression. Never share this medication with others, and store it securely away from children and anyone who might misuse it.
Most side effects of Mar-Cof CG are related to the codeine component. Common side effects include:
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Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
Non-opioid prescription cough suppressant; not a controlled substance; widely available at all pharmacies; 100–200 mg capsules TID; no expectorant activity
Dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin DM)
OTC cough suppressant; no prescription needed; available everywhere; extended-release option provides 12-hour coverage; no opioid properties at standard doses
Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
OTC expectorant only; available without prescription; effective for thinning mucus in productive coughs; no cough suppression effect
Promethazine with Codeine
Schedule V combination; adds antihistamine effect (promethazine); useful for cough with allergic/post-nasal drip component; more sedating than Mar-Cof CG
Prefer Mar-Cof CG? We can find it.
Benzodiazepines (alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam)
majorProfound combined CNS and respiratory depression; potentially fatal. FDA boxed warning.
Alcohol
majorSignificant potentiation of CNS and respiratory depression. Avoid completely while taking Mar-Cof CG.
MAO Inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline)
majorSevere, potentially fatal reactions including serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis. Do not use within 14 days of an MAOI.
Other Opioids (morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone)
majorAdditive respiratory depression and overdose risk.
Sleep Medications (zolpidem, eszopiclone)
majorDangerous combined CNS and respiratory depression, especially during sleep.
Muscle Relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine)
moderateEnhanced CNS depression and sedation.
Antihistamines (diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine)
moderateAdditive drowsiness and CNS depression. Avoid first-generation antihistamines.
CYP2D6 inhibitors (fluoxetine, paroxetine)
moderateInhibit conversion of codeine to morphine, potentially reducing efficacy or causing unpredictable effects.
Mar-Cof CG is a well-established, affordable prescription cough syrup that provides dual-action relief through codeine (cough suppression) and guaifenesin (mucus thinning). For patients who need opioid-level cough suppression combined with an expectorant, it remains a clinically useful option when alternatives haven't worked.
The main challenge isn't cost — at $11–$22 (and even less with coupons), it's one of the more affordable prescription medications available. The challenge is finding a pharmacy that has it in stock, given its controlled substance status. Large chain pharmacies are the best starting point.
If you're having trouble locating Mar-Cof CG, medfinder was built to solve exactly this problem. We call pharmacies near you to check which ones have your medication in stock and text you the results — so you can spend your time recovering, not on hold.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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