guaifenesin

(gwye fen' e sin)

Allfen; AMBI 1000, 1200; Anti-Tuss; Diabetic Tussin EX; 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 and in the presence of 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; SR capsules—300 mg; tablets—100, 200 mg; SR and ER tablets—600, 800, 1,000, 1,200 mg

 

Dosages

ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS > 12 YR

200–400 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 2.4 g/day.

PEDIATRIC PATIENTS < 12 YR

2–6 yr: 50–100 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 600 mg/day.

6–12 yr: 100–200 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 1.2 g/day.

 

Pharmacokinetics

Route

Onset

Duration

Oral

30 min

4–6 hr

 

Metabolism: Unknown; T1/2: Unknown

Distribution and 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, affects; 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 ER or SR 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 wk; if fever, rash, or headache occur, consult 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.