Guaifenesin/Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

Description

NDC 63868-391-14. QC® Maximum Strength Mucus Relief DM is a combination of guaifenesin (1200 mg) and dextromethorphan HBr (60 mg) formulated as extended-release tablets. This product serves as an expectorant and cough suppressant, providing both immediate and extended release over a 12-hour period. It is designed to control cough and facilitate the thinning and loosening of mucus. Each package contains 14 extended-release tablets, comparable to the active ingredients in Maximum Strength 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 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.

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 tablet every 12 hours, with a maximum of 2 tablets in a 24-hour period. The use of this product is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Children under 12 years of age.

• Patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or those who have discontinued MAOI therapy within the past 2 weeks. MAOIs are commonly prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, and Parkinson's disease. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of an MAOI in a prescription medication, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

Additionally, it is important to adhere to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed use.

Warnings and Precautions

The use of this medication is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age. Additionally, it must not be administered to individuals currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of discontinuing such medication. MAOIs are commonly prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, and Parkinson's disease. Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether their prescription includes an MAOI.

General precautions should be observed prior to use. Patients should be advised to seek medical consultation if they have a persistent or chronic cough, particularly if it is associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Furthermore, individuals experiencing a cough accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus) should also consult a healthcare provider before using this medication.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted at 1-800-222-1222.

Patients are instructed to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if their cough persists for more than 7 days, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Side Effects

Patients should 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. These symptoms may indicate the presence of a serious underlying illness that requires medical evaluation.

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 disorders, emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease. Patients should not take this product while on MAOIs or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI. It is essential for patients to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, to verify 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 Hydrobromide. 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 tablet every 12 hours, with a maximum of 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may exhibit increased sensitivity to the effects of dextromethorphan, which necessitates caution when administering this product. Although geriatric use has not been specifically studied, it is important to consider that dosage adjustments may be necessary due to the potential for reduced kidney function commonly observed in this population.

Healthcare providers should closely monitor elderly patients for any adverse effects, as they may be more susceptible to side effects associated with the medication. Careful assessment and individualized treatment plans are recommended to ensure the safety and efficacy of therapy in geriatric patients.

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 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 lack of data 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 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 prescribing information.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Prompt intervention is crucial in managing overdose situations, as timely medical help can significantly influence outcomes. Symptoms of overdose may vary depending on the substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and manage these symptoms accordingly.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the specific clinical presentation of the patient. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure patient safety and to address any complications that may arise during the course of treatment.

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. Additionally, there are no detailed findings related to nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology available.

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 keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In the event of an overdose, patients should be instructed to seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

It is important to inform patients that this product is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Additionally, patients should be cautioned against using this medication if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken one within the last two weeks. If patients are uncertain whether their prescription includes an MAOI, they should be encouraged to consult with their doctor or pharmacist prior to using this product.

Patients should be advised to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their cough persists for more than 7 days, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.

While using this product, patients must be reminded not to exceed the recommended dosage. Furthermore, it is advisable for patients to consult a doctor before using this medication if they have a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or 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 20-25°C (68-77°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 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 advise patients not to crush, chew, or break the tablet and to take it with a full glass of water. The product can be taken without regard to meal timing.

No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)