Drug Name
Generic Name : guaifenesin
Brand Name:Allfen; AMBI 1000, 1200; Diabetic Tussin; Hytuss; Hytuss 2X; Liquibid; Mucinex; Muco-Fen; Organidin NR; Robitussin, Scot-Tussin Expectorant; Siltussin SA
Classification: Expectorant
Pregnancy Category C
Dosage & Route
Available forms : Syrup—100 mg/5 mL; liquid—100, 200 mg/5 mL; capsules—200 mg; tablets—100, 200, 400 mg; ER tablets—600, 1,200 mg
ADULTS AND 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.
Therapeutic actions
- Guaifenesin increases the volume and reduce the viscosity of tenacious sputum and is used as an expectorant for productive cough.
Indications
- Symptomatic relief of respiratory conditions characterized by dry, nonproductive cough when there is mucus in the respiratory tract.
Adverse effects
- GI discomfort, nausea and vomiting; dizziness, drowsiness, headache; rash; decreased uric acid levels; urinary calculi (large doses).
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity.
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.