Guaifenesin/Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

Description

The product is identified by NDC 58602-824-67 and is manufactured by Primary Health. It is formulated as extended-release tablets containing 600 mg of Guaifenesin and 30 mg of Dextromethorphan HBr, serving as an expectorant and cough suppressant. The formulation is designed for 12-hour dosing, with a total of 20 tablets per package. The active ingredients work synergistically to control cough while thinning and loosening mucus. This product is comparable to Mucinex® DM.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the relief of cough associated with minor throat and bronchial irritation, which may occur due to the common cold or inhaled irritants. It aids in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, thereby facilitating the expulsion of bothersome mucus and enhancing the productivity of coughs.

Additionally, this drug temporarily alleviates the intensity of coughing and reduces the impulse to cough, which may assist patients in achieving restful sleep.

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

Dosage and Administration

The tablet should be taken whole; it must not be crushed, chewed, or broken. It is recommended that the tablet be ingested with a full glass of water. This medication can be administered without regard to the timing of meals.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours, with a maximum of 4 tablets in a 24-hour period. This medication is not indicated for use in children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications

There are no specific contraindications identified for this product. However, it is advised that the product should not be used in excess of the directed dosage.

Warnings and Precautions

The use of this product is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age. Healthcare professionals should ensure that this medication is not prescribed to this demographic to avoid potential adverse effects.

Patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease, should not use this product. Additionally, it is essential to refrain from using this medication for at least two weeks after discontinuing an MAOI. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of an MAOI in a patient's current prescription, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist prior to administration.

Patients should be advised to discontinue use and seek medical advice if a cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache. These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought. Patients or caregivers should contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay to ensure appropriate management of the situation.

Side Effects

Patients should be aware of the potential adverse reactions associated with this medication. Serious adverse reactions may occur, and it is crucial to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if a cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, as these symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition.

This medication is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age. Additionally, it should not be used in conjunction with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI. Patients are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Before using this product, patients should seek medical advice if they have a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or if their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of this product with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated. MAOIs are typically prescribed for the treatment of depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, and Parkinson’s disease. Patients should not take this product while on MAOIs or for a period of two weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. It is essential for patients to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, to confirm whether their current prescription includes an MAOI before initiating treatment with this product.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan Hbr. Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should not be administered this medication. Safety and efficacy have not been established in this population, and use is contraindicated for children in this age group.

Geriatric Use

Caution should be exercised when administering this product to elderly patients, as geriatric use has not been specifically studied. Elderly patients may exhibit increased sensitivity to the side effects of dextromethorphan and guaifenesin, necessitating careful consideration of their overall health status and potential for adverse reactions.

Due to the potential for reduced kidney function in elderly patients, dosage adjustments may be necessary. It is recommended that healthcare providers closely monitor elderly patients for any adverse effects or unusual reactions while using this product, ensuring that any necessary modifications to treatment are made promptly to enhance safety and efficacy.

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 weighed, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to seek medical advice to ensure safe use during pregnancy and lactation.

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 drug in human breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

There is no specific information available regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for patients with renal impairment. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing to patients with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in this patient population.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions indicated 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 context of overdosage, it is important to note that the available sections of the drug insert do not provide any specific information regarding potential overdosage scenarios.

Healthcare professionals are advised to exercise caution and consider the lack of documented overdosage data when prescribing this medication. In the absence of detailed guidance, it is recommended that clinicians monitor patients closely for any unusual symptoms or adverse effects that may arise following administration of the drug.

In the event of suspected overdosage, standard medical management protocols should be followed. This may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment as necessary. Healthcare providers should also consider consulting a poison control center or a medical toxicologist for further guidance on managing potential overdosage cases.

Given the absence of specific overdosage information, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and to report any observed adverse reactions or complications to the appropriate regulatory authorities.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic effects, non-teratogenic effects, or any relevant nonclinical toxicology data. Additionally, no details are provided concerning animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

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

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. It is important for patients to be aware that they should discontinue use and consult a doctor if their cough persists for more than 7 days, returns, or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, rash, or a persistent headache, as these may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Patients should be instructed to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount while using this product. Additionally, healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult with a doctor prior to use if they have a persistent or chronic cough, particularly if it is associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Furthermore, patients should be advised to seek medical advice if their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in tamper-evident packaging. Healthcare professionals should ensure that the carton is not used if it is open or if the printed seal on the blister is broken or missing.

For optimal storage conditions, the product should be maintained at a temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Proper adherence to these storage guidelines is essential to ensure the integrity and efficacy of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with the recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older being 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours, not exceeding 4 tablets within a 24-hour period. It is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age.

Clinicians should counsel patients to consult a healthcare professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, it is important to keep the medication out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, patients should seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan Hbr, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)