Geri-Tussin

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of cough associated with minor throat and bronchial irritation. It aids in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, thereby facilitating more productive coughs.

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

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older is 10 mL (equivalent to 2 teaspoonfuls) taken every 4 hours as needed, or as directed by a healthcare professional. It is imperative that patients do not exceed 6 doses within a 24-hour period and adhere strictly to the recommended dosage to avoid potential adverse effects.

For children under 12 years of age, the use of this medication is not advised. Healthcare professionals should ensure that patients are informed of these guidelines to promote safe and effective use of the medication.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in children due to the risk of accidental ingestion. In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought or contact with a Poison Control Center is advised.

Warnings and Precautions

The use of this product is contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, it should not be used for a period of two weeks following the cessation of an MAOI. Patients uncertain about whether their prescription includes an MAOI are advised to consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, prior to using this product.

Patients with a known history of allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in this product should refrain from its use.

General precautions should be observed, and individuals are encouraged to seek medical advice before using this product if they experience a cough accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus) or if they have a chronic cough associated with conditions such as smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if their cough persists for more than seven days, recurs, or is accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever, rash, or a prolonged headache. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the local Poison Control Center should be contacted without delay.

Side Effects

Patients should be aware of the potential adverse reactions associated with the use of this product. Serious adverse reactions may occur, particularly in individuals who are currently taking or have recently discontinued a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). The use of this product is contraindicated in such cases, as well as in patients with a known allergy to any of the ingredients contained in the formulation.

Common adverse reactions may include a cough that persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever, rash, or headache. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition, and patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any of these signs.

Additionally, patients should seek medical advice prior to using this product if they have a cough that produces excessive phlegm or if they have a chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

Drug Interactions

The use of GERI-TUSSIN DM is contraindicated in patients who are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI. Co-administration may result in serious interactions that could pose significant health risks.

No additional drug interactions or laboratory test interactions have been identified for GERI-TUSSIN DM. Therefore, no further dosage adjustments or monitoring recommendations are necessary beyond the stated contraindication with MAOIs.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Geri-Tussin (dextromethorphan hbr, guaifenesin). 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 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) every 4 hours as needed, with a maximum of 6 doses in a 24-hour period. It is crucial to adhere to the recommended dosage to avoid potential overdose. Caregivers should ensure that the medication is kept out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought or a Poison Control Center contacted.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients are included in the general population for this product, which is indicated for adults and children aged 12 years and older. The prescribing information does not specify any dosage adjustments or safety concerns unique to geriatric patients. Furthermore, there are no special precautions or considerations outlined for this demographic in the provided text.

Healthcare providers should continue to monitor elderly patients as they would for any adult patient, given the absence of specific guidelines or recommendations for this age group.

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 regarding the excretion of this medication 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 not been specifically addressed in the available data 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 lack of information necessitates careful clinical judgment and monitoring.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the available information.

Overdosage

In the absence of specific overdosage information, it is essential for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant regarding the potential for overdose with this medication. In cases where an overdose is suspected, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Healthcare providers are advised to monitor patients closely for any signs or symptoms that may indicate an overdose. These may include, but are not limited to, altered mental status, cardiovascular instability, or gastrointestinal disturbances.

Management of an overdose should be tailored to the individual patient and may involve supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and, if applicable, the use of specific antidotes. It is crucial to consult local poison control guidelines and the product's prescribing information for detailed management protocols.

In summary, while specific overdosage data is not available, healthcare professionals should exercise caution and be prepared to act swiftly in the event of an overdose scenario.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic effects, non-teratogenic effects, or any specific findings in the nonclinical toxicology section. Additionally, there are no details provided concerning animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified the following adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs: allergic reactions, which include rash, pruritus, and urticaria.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. It is crucial to emphasize the importance of safety in the home environment, particularly for households with young children.

In the event of an overdose, healthcare providers should instruct patients to seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center. Patients should be made aware of the signs of overdose and the urgency of obtaining assistance to ensure their safety and well-being.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a container that is designed to be tight and light-resistant, equipped with a child-resistant cap as specified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). It is essential to store the product at room temperature, within the range of 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Care should be taken to protect the product from freezing and refrigeration, as these conditions may compromise its integrity. Additionally, the product must be shielded from light exposure to maintain its efficacy.

For safety, the container features a tamper-evident foil seal over the opening. Users should not utilize the product if this seal is torn, broken, or missing, as this may indicate potential contamination or compromise of the product's safety.

Additional Clinical Information

Patients should take the medication every 4 hours as needed or as directed by a healthcare professional, ensuring not to exceed 6 doses within a 24-hour period. It is crucial for patients to adhere to the recommended dosage to avoid potential complications.

Clinicians should counsel patients to consult a health professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding before using the medication. Additionally, it is important to keep the medication out of reach of children, and in the event of an overdose, patients should seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Geri-Tussin, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)