Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu

Description

Mucinex® FAST-MAX® COLD & FLU is a combination medication indicated for the relief of multiple symptoms associated with colds and flu. Each 6 FL OZ (180 mL) formulation contains the following active ingredients: Acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer; Dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant; Guaifenesin, an expectorant; and Phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant. This product is designed to alleviate symptoms such as headache, body pain, sore throat, fever, chest congestion, cough, nasal congestion, sinus congestion, and sinus pressure. The formulation is flavored with orange and pineapple and is intended for use in individuals aged 12 years and older. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 63824-527-03.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including cough, nasal congestion, minor aches and pains, sore throat, headache, stuffy nose, and sinus congestion and pressure. Additionally, it temporarily reduces fever and assists in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, thereby facilitating the expulsion of mucus and enhancing the productivity of coughs.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and administration guidelines. The maximum dosage should not exceed the specified limits, and caution is advised to avoid overdose (refer to the Overdose warning).

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dose is 20 mL, to be measured using the dosing cup provided, administered every 4 hours as needed. It is imperative that the dosing cup is used exclusively for this product and not with any other medications.

Children under 12 years of age should not use this product. Additionally, no more than 6 doses should be taken within a 24-hour period to ensure safety and efficacy.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Concurrent use with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

• In patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease, and for a period of 2 weeks following the discontinuation of the MAOI. This is due to the potential for serious drug interactions. If there is uncertainty about the presence of an MAOI in a prescription medication, a healthcare professional should be consulted prior to use.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which poses a risk of severe liver damage if the following conditions are met: exceeding 6 doses within a 24-hour period, using it concurrently with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consuming 3 or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen may also lead to severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. Should any of these symptoms occur, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor promptly if they experience a severe sore throat that persists for more than 2 days or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

Overdosing on acetaminophen can result in liver damage. In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial; patients should contact a Poison Control Center without delay, as rapid intervention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.

General precautions should be taken prior to use. Patients should be advised to consult a healthcare provider if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, or a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients should seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist if they are currently taking the anticoagulant warfarin. It is critical that patients adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount.

Patients should be instructed to stop taking the product and contact their healthcare provider if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists beyond 7 days; if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs with fever, rash, or headache lasting longer than expected, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Side Effects

Severe liver damage may occur in patients who exceed the maximum daily dosage of six doses within a 24-hour period, take the product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients should be aware that acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use and seek medical assistance immediately.

In cases of severe sore throat that persists for more than two days or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, patients are advised to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

This product should not be used in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. Patients uncertain about the presence of acetaminophen in their medications should consult a doctor or pharmacist. Additionally, this product is contraindicated for patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of stopping such medication.

Patients with liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or those experiencing trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should seek medical advice before using this product. Furthermore, individuals with persistent or chronic coughs, such as those associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, should also consult a healthcare provider prior to use. Patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists beyond seven days; if fever worsens or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms develop; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache lasting longer than expected, as these may indicate a serious condition.

An overdose of this product, defined as taking more than the recommended dose, may lead to liver damage. In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately, as prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of this medication with other products containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is contraindicated due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose and potential hepatotoxicity.

The use of this medication is also contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric disorders, or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it should not be administered within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI, as this may lead to serious adverse effects.

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, prior to using this medication. Monitoring of coagulation parameters may be warranted to ensure safe and effective use.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine hydrochloride). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should not use this medication. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 20 mL, administered using the dosing cup provided, every 4 hours.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information regarding the use of this medication in geriatric patients, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to elderly patients, as they may have altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Close monitoring is recommended to ensure safety and efficacy in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully considered in these populations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus or infant.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the drug insert regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment and monitoring of these patients.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should exercise caution when using this product, which contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the maximum daily amount of 6 doses within a 24-hour period, take this product concurrently with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

It is advised that patients with a history of liver disease consult a healthcare professional prior to use. Additionally, taking more than the recommended dose can lead to overdose, which may result in liver damage. In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately, as prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, defined as the ingestion of more than the recommended dose, there is a significant risk of liver damage. It is imperative that healthcare professionals recognize the seriousness of this condition and act swiftly.

Recommended Actions In cases of suspected overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought. Healthcare providers are advised to contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Prompt intervention is crucial, as the potential for serious complications increases with time.

Symptoms and Management It is important to note that symptoms may not be immediately apparent. Therefore, quick medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms. Continuous monitoring and appropriate management strategies should be implemented to mitigate the risk of liver damage and other complications associated with overdose.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No information is available regarding teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects. Additionally, there is no data provided concerning nonclinical toxicology, animal pharmacology, or toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Reports of side effects have been received through voluntary submissions and surveillance programs. Individuals are encouraged to report any adverse events to the designated phone number provided for this purpose.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Patients should be instructed not to use this product in conjunction with any other medications containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If patients are uncertain whether a drug contains acetaminophen, they should be encouraged to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

It is important to inform patients that they should not use this product if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken one within the last two weeks. Patients should be advised to check with their healthcare provider if they are unsure whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and seek medical advice if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, they should be advised to stop using the product and consult a doctor if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days, if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, or if they notice any redness or swelling. Patients should also be informed to seek medical attention if new symptoms arise or if a cough returns, especially if accompanied by fever, rash, or a headache that lasts, as these may indicate a serious condition.

When using this product, patients must be reminded not to exceed the recommended dosage. It is essential for patients to consult a doctor before use if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Patients with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, should also seek medical advice before using this product. Furthermore, patients should be advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Refrigeration is not permitted, as it may compromise the integrity of the product. Proper handling and storage conditions must be adhered to in order to maintain the product's efficacy and safety.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with a recommended dosage of 20 mL every 4 hours for adults and children aged 12 years and older. It is contraindicated for use in children under 12 years of age. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. Additionally, it is important to keep the medication out of reach of children. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

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