Guaifenesin

Description

Guaifenesin is an expectorant formulated as extended-release tablets, each containing 1200 mg of the active ingredient. This medication is designed to relieve chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus, facilitating easier expectoration. The formulation provides both immediate and extended release of the active ingredient, ensuring prolonged therapeutic effects. Each package contains 14 extended-release tablets.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the relief of chest congestion associated with excessive mucus production. It helps to loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions, facilitating the clearance of mucus from the bronchial passageways and making coughs more productive. The formulation is available in both immediate and extended-release forms to accommodate varying patient needs.

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should take the tablet with a full glass of water. It is important to note that the tablet must not be crushed, chewed, or broken prior to administration. This product 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. The total daily dosage should not exceed 2 tablets within a 24-hour period.

This product is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications

Use is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.

Warnings and Precautions

The use of this medication is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a physician prior to use if they have a persistent or chronic cough, particularly if it is associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients with a cough that produces excessive phlegm (mucus) should seek medical advice before initiating treatment.

Patients are instructed to discontinue use and contact their healthcare provider if the 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, it is imperative to seek emergency medical assistance immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt action is essential to ensure patient safety and appropriate management of the situation.

Side Effects

Patients should be aware of the potential adverse reactions associated with the use of this medication. It is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age.

Before using this medication, patients are advised to consult a healthcare professional if they have a persistent or chronic cough, such as that which occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, individuals experiencing a cough accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus) should seek medical advice prior to use.

Patients are instructed to discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if their 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.

Drug Interactions

There are no specific drug interactions identified in the available data. Additionally, no laboratory test interactions have been reported. Therefore, no dosage adjustments or monitoring recommendations are necessary based on the current information.

Packaging & NDC

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

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should not be administered this medication. There is insufficient data to support its safety and efficacy in this age group. Therefore, healthcare professionals are advised to avoid prescribing this treatment to children younger than 12 years.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may exhibit increased sensitivity to side effects associated with this medication. Although geriatric use has not been specifically studied, it is important to consider that the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may differ in this population.

Due to the potential for reduced kidney function in elderly patients, dosage adjustments may be necessary. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when administering this medication to geriatric patients, particularly those with pre-existing conditions that may affect renal function. Close monitoring of renal status and overall health is recommended to ensure safe and effective use in this demographic.

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 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 not been specifically addressed in the prescribing information 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 absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment and monitoring of these patients.

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. 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 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 during the course of treatment.

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. 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 the 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 medication is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Patients should be counseled 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 serious illness.

Additionally, healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult a doctor before using the medication if they have a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Patients should also 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 20-25°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. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is one tablet every 12 hours, with a maximum of two tablets in a 24-hour period. It is contraindicated for use in children under 12 years of age. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)