guaifenesin (redirected from Mucinex)

guaifenesin /guai·fen·e·sin/ (gwi-fen´e-sin) an expectorant believed to act by reducing sputum viscosity.

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guai·fen·e·sin (gw-fn-sn)

n.

An expectorant drug used to thin mucus and sputum.

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guaifenesin (gwī´fen´sin),

n brand names: Anti-Tuss, Robitussin;
drug class: expectorant;
action: acts as an expectorant by stimulating mucosal reflex to increase production of less viscous lung mucus;
use: dry, nonproductive cough.

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guaifenesin

the glyceryl ester of guaiacol; used as an expectorant and as a muscle relaxant in anesthetic procedures.

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guaifenesin (glyceryl guaiacolate)

Adult Chesty Cough Non Drowsy (UK), Balminil Expectorant (CA), Benilyn Childrens Chesty Coughs (UK), Benylin-E (CA), Boots Chesty Cough Syrup 1 Year Plus (UK), Calmylin Expectorant (CA), Diabetic Tussin EX, Genatuss, Expectorant Cough Syrup (UK), Hill's Balsam Chesty Cough (UK), Jackson's All Fours (UK), Jackson's Bronchial Balsam (UK), Koffex Expectorant (CA), Lemsip Cough & Cold Chesty Cough (UK), Mucinex, Organidin NR, Phanacin XPECT, Pneumomist, Resyl (CA), Robitussin, Scot-tussin Expectorant, Siltussin SA, Tixylix Chesty Cough (UK), Venos for Kids (UK), Vicks Vaposyrup for Chesty Coughs (UK)

Pharmacologic class: Propanediol derivative

Therapeutic class: Expectorant

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Exerts vasoconstrictive action that leads to decreased edema and congestion. Also increases respiratory secretions and reduces mucus viscosity.

Availability

Capsules: 200 mg

Oral solution: 100 mg/5 ml, 200 mg/5 ml

Syrup: 100 mg/5 ml

Tablets: 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg

Tablets (extended-release): 600 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Cough due to upper respiratory tract infection

Adults: 200 to 400 mg P.O. q 4 hours (not to exceed 2,400 mg/day), or 600 to 1,200 mg P.O. (extended-release tablets) q 12 hours (not to exceed 2,400 mg/day)

Children ages 6 to 12: 100 to 200 mg P.O. q 4 hours (not to exceed 1,200 mg/day), or 600 mg P.O. (extended-release) q 12 hours (not to exceed 1,200 mg/day)

Children ages 2 to 6: 50 to 100 mg P.O. q 4 hours (not to exceed 600 mg/day)

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug
• Alcohol intolerance (with some products)

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• diabetes mellitus, cough lasting more than 1 week or accompanied by fever, rash, or headache
• patients receiving disulfiram concurrently
• pregnant patients.

Administration

• Give with full glass of water.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	30 min	Unknown	4-6 hr
P.O. (extended)	Unknown	Unknown	12 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache, dizziness

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain

Skin: rash, urticaria

Interactions

Drug-diagnostic tests. Urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, vanillylmandelic acid: inaccurate results

Patient monitoring

• Assess cough quality and productivity. Reevaluate treatment if cough persists and is accompanied by fever or headache.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient to take with 8 oz of water and to drink plenty of fluids.
• Instruct patient to contact prescriber if cough lasts more than 1 week.
• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the tests mentioned above.