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
Drug-lab test
· 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.
· 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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