Guaifenesin/Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

Description

Guaifenesin, at a dosage of 1200 mg, is combined with Dextromethorphan HBr, at 60 mg, in an extended-release tablet formulation. This product serves as both an expectorant and a cough suppressant, providing therapeutic effects over a 12-hour period. The formulation is designed to control cough while simultaneously thinning and loosening mucus. Each package contains 28 extended-release tablets, offering both immediate and extended release of the active ingredients.

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.

No teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects have been reported.

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 prior to use.

Warnings and Precautions

The use of this product is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age. Additionally, it should 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.

Before initiating treatment, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider if the patient has a persistent or chronic cough, particularly if it is associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Furthermore, patients should seek medical advice if their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

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 advised 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 be aware of the following adverse reactions associated with the use of 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, recurs, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition.

This product is contraindicated for use in children under 12 years of age and should not be taken concurrently with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 2 weeks of stopping such medications. Patients are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether their prescription contains an MAOI.

Additionally, patients with persistent or chronic coughs, such as those associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, should seek medical advice before using this product. Coughs accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus) also warrant consultation with a healthcare provider.

For pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, it is recommended to seek guidance from a health professional prior to use. It is essential to keep this product out of reach of children, and in the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought or contact with a Poison Control Center should be made at 1-800-222-1222.

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, certain psychiatric conditions, or Parkinson's disease. Patients should not take this product while on MAOIs or for a minimum 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 verify whether their current prescription medication contains 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 side effects associated with this product. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor these patients closely for any adverse reactions.

Due to the potential for reduced kidney function in geriatric patients, dosage adjustments may be necessary to ensure safety and efficacy. Careful consideration should be given to renal function when determining the appropriate dosage for this population.

Special precautions should be taken when administering this product to elderly patients. Healthcare providers are advised to assess the individual health status and medication regimen of geriatric patients to mitigate risks and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

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, as well as any available data regarding fetal outcomes and lactation. Healthcare providers can offer guidance tailored to individual circumstances, ensuring the safety of both the patient and the developing fetus or nursing 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 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.

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 are advised to call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance on managing the situation effectively.

Prompt intervention is crucial in mitigating potential adverse effects associated with an overdose. Symptoms may vary depending on the substance involved, and healthcare providers should be prepared to assess and manage these symptoms as they arise.

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 develop as a result of the overdose.

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 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 past 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 medication 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)