Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu

Description

Mucinex® FAST-MAX® COLD & FLU is a maximum strength formulation designed for the relief of multiple cold and flu symptoms. Each package contains 16 fast dissolving liquid gels, which are liquid-filled capsules. The active ingredients include acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant; guaifenesin, an expectorant; and phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant. This combination addresses symptoms such as headache, sore throat, chest congestion, body pain, fever, cough, nasal congestion, sinus congestion, and sinus pressure. The product is indicated for use in individuals aged 12 years and older. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 63824-518-16.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including nasal congestion, headache, cough, minor aches and pains, sore throat, and sinus congestion and pressure. Additionally, it temporarily reduces fever and aids in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, facilitating the clearance of mucus from the bronchial passageways and making coughs more productive.

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage guidelines. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 liquid gels every 4 hours, not to exceed 12 liquid gels within a 24-hour period.

It is imperative that children under 12 years of age do not use this medication.

Healthcare professionals should counsel patients on the importance of not exceeding the directed dosage to avoid potential overdose.

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 an 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 12 liquid gels within a 24-hour period, concurrent use with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks 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 a sore throat is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting. Overdosing on acetaminophen can result in liver damage; therefore, in the event of an overdose, immediate medical help or contact with a Poison Control Center is essential. Quick medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

General precautions include avoiding the use of this product in conjunction with any other medications containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, patients should consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, this product should not be used by individuals currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of discontinuing such medication. Patients should verify with their doctor or pharmacist if they are unsure whether their prescription includes an MAOI.

Patients are advised to seek medical guidance before using this product 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. Furthermore, individuals taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult a healthcare professional prior to use.

While using this product, it is crucial to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage.

Emergency medical help should be sought immediately in the event of an overdose.

Patients should discontinue use and contact their doctor 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 arise; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by 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 12 liquid gels 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 lead to 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 where a sore throat is severe, 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.

Patients should stop use and consult a doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or lasts longer than seven days; if fever worsens or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling is present; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs or occurs with fever, rash, or headache that persists. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition.

It is recommended that patients consult a doctor before using this product if they have a history of liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Additionally, those with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or a cough that produces excessive phlegm should seek medical advice prior to use.

Patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should also consult a healthcare professional before using this product.

Taking more than the recommended dose can result in overdose and potential 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 if no signs or symptoms are initially apparent.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of this medication with any other drug 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 for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it should not be used for at least 2 weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI to avoid serious interactions.

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

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 2 liquid gels every 4 hours, with a maximum of 12 liquid gels in a 24-hour period. Caution is advised to ensure adherence to the dosing guidelines to prevent potential overdose.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may use this product as it is indicated for adults and children aged 12 years and older. There are no specific dosage adjustments or safety concerns noted for this population in the available data. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to exercise caution and consider the overall health status of geriatric patients.

Before initiating treatment, it is advisable to consult a physician if the elderly patient has any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. These conditions may influence the safety and efficacy of the product in this demographic.

Additionally, healthcare providers should be aware of the overdose warning associated with this product. Taking more than the recommended dose may lead to liver damage, which poses a significant risk for elderly patients. In the event of an overdose, prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children. Monitoring and appropriate management strategies should be in place to ensure the safety of geriatric patients using this medication.

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 currently no available data on the excretion of this drug in human 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 no specific information regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations provided in the drug insert. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the absence of guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

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 12 liquid gels within a 24-hour period, take this product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume three 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. The risk of liver damage increases significantly with the intake of more than the recommended dose, which constitutes an overdose. In the event of an overdose, it is imperative that patients seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center, as prompt medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Overdosage

Taking more than the recommended dose may lead to significant liver damage. It is imperative that in the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance is sought. Healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to contact a Poison Control Center without delay.

Quick medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms. Prompt intervention can mitigate potential complications associated with overdose and improve patient outcomes.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic effects have been identified in the available data. Additionally, there is no information regarding non-teratogenic effects. The nonclinical toxicology section does not provide any relevant findings. Furthermore, there is no data available concerning animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Reports of side effects have been received through voluntary submissions and surveillance programs. Patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any adverse events associated with the use of the product to the designated contact number provided.

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 past 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, or if fever worsens or lasts more than three days. Patients should also be informed to seek medical attention if they notice any redness or swelling, if new symptoms arise, or if a cough returns or occurs with fever, rash, or a headache that lasts, as these may indicate a serious condition.

When using this product, patients should be reminded to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount. It is essential for patients to consult a doctor before using this medication 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 use. 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 controlled temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Care should be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, as this may compromise the integrity of the product. Proper storage conditions are crucial to maintain the efficacy and safety of the product throughout its shelf life.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with the recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older being two liquid gels every four hours. It is advised that this medication not be used in children under 12 years of age.

Clinicians should counsel patients to consult a health professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. 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.

View product document (PDF)