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Monday, February 7, 2011

guaifenesin

Posted by Sampil 5:39 PM, under | No comments

guaifenesin
(gwye fen' e sin)
Allfen; AMBI 1000, 1200; Diabetic Tussin; Hytuss; Hytuss 2X; Liquibid; Mucinex; Muco-Fen; Organidin NR; Robitussin, Scot-Tussin Expectorant; Siltussin SA

Pregnancy Category C

Drug class
Expectorant

Therapeutic actions
Enhances the output of respiratory tract fluid by reducing adhesiveness and surface tension, facilitating the removal of viscous mucus.

Indications
·        Symptomatic relief of respiratory conditions characterized by dry, nonproductive cough when there is mucus in the respiratory tract.

Contraindications and cautions
·        Contraindicated with allergy to guaifenesin.
·        Use cautiously with pregnancy, lactation, and persistent coughs.

Available forms
Syrup—100 mg/5 mL; liquid—100, 200 mg/5 mL; capsules—200 mg; tablets—100, 200, 400 mg; ER tablets—600 mg

Dosages
ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS > 12 YR
200–400 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 2.4 g/day.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 6–12 YR
100–200 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 1.2 g/day.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 2–6 YR
50–100 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 600 mg/day.

Pharmacokinetics
Route
Onset
Duration
Oral
30 min
4–6 hr

Metabolism: Not known; T1/2: Unknown
Distribution: Not known
Excretion: Urine

Adverse effects
·        CNS: Headache, dizziness
·        Dermatologic: Rash, urticaria
·        GI: Nausea, vomiting, GI discomfort

Interactions
·        Color interference and false results of 5-HIAA and VMA urinary determinations

Nursing considerations
CLINICAL ALERT!
Name confusion has been reported between Mucinex (guaifenesin) and Mucomyst (acetylcysteine); use caution.

Assessment
·        History: Allergy to guaifenesin; persistent cough due to smoking, asthma, or emphysema; very productive cough; pregnancy
·        Physical: Skin lesions, color; T; orientation, affect; R, adventitious sounds

Interventions
·        WARNING: Monitor reaction to drug; persistent cough for more than 1 wk, fever, rash, or persistent headache may indicate a more serious condition.

Teaching points
·        Some extended-release formulations may be cut in half but cannot be crushed or chewed. Mucinex cannot be crushed, chewed, or cut.
·        Do not take for longer than 1 week; if fever, rash, or headache occur, consult your health care provider.
·        You may experience these side effects: Nausea, vomiting (eat frequent small meals); dizziness, headache (avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery).
·        Report fever, rash, severe vomiting, persistent cough.

Adverse effects in Italic are most common; those in Bold are life-threatening.

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