Guaifenesin/Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

Description

NDC 71179-011-21. HOUR CONTAC® COUGH & CONGESTION is a maximum strength formulation designed to control cough and relieve chest congestion. Each extended-release tablet contains 60 mg of dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant, and 1200 mg of guaifenesin, an expectorant that thins and loosens mucus. The product is supplied in a package of 21 tablets.

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 clearance of mucus from the bronchial passageways and making coughs more productive.

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

No teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects have been reported.

Dosage and Administration

Patients should take the tablet whole, without crushing, chewing, or breaking it. It is recommended to administer the tablet with a full glass of water. This medication can be taken without regard to the timing of meals.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 tablet every 12 hours, with a maximum of 2 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

Patients should not use this product in individuals under 12 years of age. The use of this medication 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, this product should not be used for a period of 2 weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of an MAOI in a prescription medication, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, prior to use.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought. Patients are advised to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider 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 serious underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

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, which are often prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Patients uncertain about whether their prescription includes an MAOI are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist prior to use.

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, if there is any uncertainty regarding the presence of an MAOI in their current prescription medications 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

There is no specific geriatric use information provided in the prescribing information for this medication. Consequently, there are no recommended age considerations, dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions for elderly patients mentioned in the text. Healthcare providers should exercise clinical judgment when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients, considering individual patient factors and overall health status.

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 the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus.

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

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 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 absence of specific information regarding overdosage, healthcare professionals are advised to exercise caution and adhere to standard protocols for managing suspected cases of drug overdose.

It is essential to monitor patients closely for any signs or symptoms that may arise following an overdose. Common symptoms may include, but are not limited to, altered mental status, cardiovascular instability, respiratory distress, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical intervention is recommended. Healthcare providers should initiate supportive care, which may include maintaining airway patency, providing supplemental oxygen, and ensuring hemodynamic stability.

Additionally, the use of activated charcoal may be considered if the patient presents within a suitable timeframe and if the ingestion was recent. Consultation with a poison control center or a medical toxicologist is also advisable to determine the most appropriate management strategies based on the specific circumstances of the overdose.

Documentation of the incident, including the substance involved, the amount ingested, and the time of ingestion, is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and ensuring comprehensive patient care.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the use of the compound in these contexts.

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 various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at a controlled temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) to maintain its integrity and efficacy. Proper storage conditions must be adhered to, ensuring that the product is kept within the specified temperature limits to prevent degradation.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with a recommended dosage of one tablet every 12 hours for adults and children aged 12 years and older, not exceeding two 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)