Guaifenesin/Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

Description

Healthy Living™ Mucus Relief DM is an extended-release formulation available in tablet form, containing 600 mg of guaifenesin and 30 mg of dextromethorphan HBr. This product is indicated as an expectorant and cough suppressant, designed to control cough and facilitate the thinning and loosening of mucus. Each tablet provides a 12-hour duration of action, allowing for sustained relief. The product is identified by NDC 58602-871-83 and is comparable to the active ingredients found in 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 assists 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 aid in promoting 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. The use of this product is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications

There are no specified contraindications for the use of 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 patients are aware of this restriction to prevent potential adverse effects in younger populations.

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 product for at least two weeks after discontinuing an MAOI. If there is any uncertainty regarding the presence of an MAOI in a patient's current medication regimen, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist prior to use.

Patients should be instructed 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 product. 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, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, as these symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition.

This product 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 such medications. 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 medication 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 initiate therapy with this medication while currently on an MAOI or within 14 days following the discontinuation of an MAOI.

Monitoring for adverse effects is advised if there is a potential overlap in the treatment timeline, as the interaction may lead to serious clinical consequences.

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 use this medication. For adolescents 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. Caution is advised when prescribing to younger populations, as safety and efficacy have not been established in children under 12 years.

Geriatric Use

Caution is advised when administering this product to elderly patients, as geriatric use has not been specifically studied. Elderly patients may exhibit increased sensitivity to side effects, which necessitates careful monitoring for adverse reactions.

Additionally, dosage adjustments may be required due to the potential for reduced kidney function in this population. Healthcare providers should assess renal function and consider individual patient factors when determining the appropriate dosage for geriatric patients.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is important to assess the potential risks and benefits in these populations, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. Healthcare providers should evaluate the necessity of treatment against any potential risks to the mother and child.

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 no specific information regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations provided in the text. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution and consider individual patient factors when prescribing to this population. Regular assessment of renal function may be warranted to ensure safe and effective use of the medication in patients with reduced kidney function.

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 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 event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Prompt intervention is crucial to mitigate potential adverse effects associated with overdosage. Healthcare professionals are advised to monitor the patient closely and provide supportive care as necessary.

The management of overdose cases should be guided by the specific symptoms presented, which may vary depending on the substance involved. It is essential to follow established protocols for the assessment and treatment of overdose to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Nonclinical Toxicology

If pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a health professional prior to use. No specific non-teratogenic effects have been identified in the available data. Additionally, there are no detailed findings regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the current information.

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 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 informed 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 guidance if their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in tamper-evident packaging. Healthcare professionals are advised not to use the product if the carton is open or if the printed seal on the blister is broken or missing.

For optimal storage, the product should be maintained at a temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Proper handling and storage conditions are 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 health 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)