guaifenesin (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Mucinex, Bidex 400, more...Organidin NR

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

tablet

  • 200mg
  • 400mg

tablet, extended-release

  • 600mg
  • 1200mg

oral syrup

  • 100mg/5mL

liquid

  • 100mg/5mL
  • 200mg/5mL

packet

  • 50mg
  • 100mg

Cough

100-400 mg PO q4hr; not to exceed 2.4 g/day

Extended release: 1-2 tablets (600-1200 mg) PO q12hr; not to exceed 4 tablets/24 hr (2.4 g/day)

Administration

Swallow extended-release tablets whole; do not chew or crush

Dosage Forms & Strengths

tablet

  • 200mg
  • 400mg

tablet, extended-release

  • 600mg
  • 1200mg

oral syrup

  • 100mg/5mL

liquid

  • 100mg/5mL
  • 200mg/5mL

packet

  • 50mg
  • 100mg

Cough

6 months to 2 years: 25-50 mg q4hr; not to exceed 300 mg/day

2-6 years: 50-100 mg PO q4hr; not to exceed 600 mg/day

6-12 years: 100-200 mg PO q4hr; not to exceed 1.2 g/day

>12 years

  • 100-400 mg PO q4hr; not to exceed 2.4 g/day, OR
  • 1-2 extended-release tablets (600-1200 mg) PO q12hr; not to exceed 4 tablets/24 hr (2.4 g/day)
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Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Decreased uric acid levels

Stomach pain

Nausea

Vomiting

Headache

Rash

Postmarketing Reports

Kidney stone formation

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Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Cautions

Often comes in combos; check brand name/other constituents

Some products may contain phenylalanine

When using as self-medication in chronic or persistent coughs, notify health-care practitioner if no improvement within 7 days

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

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Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Reduces viscosity of secretions by increasing amount of respiratory tract fluid and irritates gastric mucosa

Absorption

Onset: 30 min

Duration: 4-6 hr

Metabolism

Liver

Metabolite: b-(2-methoxyphenoxy) lactic acid

Elimination

Half-life: 1 hr

Excretion: Urine

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Images

BRAND FORM. UNIT PRICE PILL IMAGE
Adult Tussin Chest Congestion oral
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100 mg/5 mL liquid
Child Mucus Relief Expectorant oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Siltussin SA oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Siltussin SA oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Robafen oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Diabetic Tussin EX oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Tussin oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Scot-Tussin Expectorant oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Mucus Relief oral
-
400 mg tablet
Mucus Relief oral
-
400 mg tablet
Mucus Relief oral
-
400 mg tablet
Mucus Relief oral
-
200 mg tablet
Mucus Relief oral
-
400 mg tablet
Mucus Relief ER oral
-
1,200 mg tablet
Mucus Relief ER oral
-
1,200 mg tablet
Mucus Relief ER oral
-
600 mg tablet
Mucus Relief ER oral
-
600 mg tablet
Chest Congestion Relief oral
-
400 mg tablet
Geri-Tussin oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Mucus-ER MAX oral
-
1,200 mg tablet
guaifenesin oral
-
400 mg tablet
guaifenesin oral
-
200 mg tablet
guaifenesin oral
-
200 mg tablet
guaifenesin oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
guaifenesin oral
-
400 mg tablet
guaifenesin oral
-
200 mg tablet
Mucosa oral
-
400 mg tablet
Adult Wal-Tussin oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Adult Wal-Tussin oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Mucinex oral
-
1,200 mg tablet
Mucinex oral
-
600 mg tablet
Mucinex oral
-
600 mg tablet
Mucinex oral
-
1,200 mg tablet
Tussin Mucus-Chest Congestion oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Tussin Mucus-Chest Congestion oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid
Tussin Mucus-Chest Congestion oral
-
100 mg/5 mL liquid

Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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Patient Handout

Patient Education
guaifenesin oral

GUAIFENESIN SUSTAINED-RELEASE - ORAL

(gweye-FEN-eh-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Allfen, Mucinex, Numobid

USES: This medication is used for the temporary relief of coughs caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using this product to be sure it is right for you. (See also Precautions section.)Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. This product (sustained-release) is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold. To decrease the risk for side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours with a full glass of water. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not take more than 2400 milligrams in 24 hours. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed.Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.Tell your doctor if your condition returns, or if it is accompanied by a headache that doesn't go away, fever, severe sore throat, rash, or if it lasts or gets worse after 7 days. These may be signs of a serious medical problem. Get medical help right away if you think you may have a serious medical problem.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea or vomiting may occur. If either of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking guaifenesin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, smoker's cough), cough with blood or large amounts of mucus.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if guaifenesin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Guaifenesin is available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your medications to make sure you are not taking more than one product containing guaifenesin.This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (such as urine levels of certain acids). Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: If your doctor prescribed this medication, do not share this medication with others.Keep all medical and lab appointments.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Information last revised March 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.