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Mucinex

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Active ingredient
Guaifenesin 600 mg
Other brand names
Drug class
Expectorant
Dosage form
Tablet, Extended Release
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2012
Label revision date
December 4, 2025
Active ingredient
Guaifenesin 600 mg
Other brand names
Drug class
Expectorant
Dosage form
Tablet, Extended Release
Route
Oral
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2012
Label revision date
December 4, 2025
Manufacturer
ATLANTIC BIOLOGICAS CORP.
Registration number
NDA021282
NDC root
17856-0008

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Drug Overview

MUCINEX (guaifenesin) is a medication designed to help you manage coughs caused by colds or other respiratory conditions. It works by loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, making it easier for you to clear mucus from your airways. This action helps make your coughs more productive, allowing you to breathe more comfortably.

Uses

This medication is designed to help you breathe easier by loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions. By doing so, it helps clear out bothersome mucus from your bronchial passageways, making your coughs more productive. This can be particularly helpful if you're dealing with respiratory issues that involve excess mucus.

Rest assured, there are no known teratogenic effects (which means it doesn't cause birth defects) associated with this medication, making it a safer option for those concerned about such risks.

Dosage and Administration

When taking this medication, it's important to swallow the tablet whole—do not crush, chew, or break it. Make sure to take it with a full glass of water, which helps the tablet dissolve properly. You can take this medication at any time, regardless of your meal schedule.

For adults and children aged 12 and older, the recommended dosage is 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours. However, be careful not to exceed 4 tablets in a 24-hour period. If you have children under 12, this medication is not suitable for them, so please avoid using it for that age group.

What to Avoid

It's important to be aware of specific guidelines when considering this medication. You should not use it for children under 12 years of age, as it may not be safe for them.

Currently, there are no specified contraindications, controlled substance classifications, or noted risks of abuse, misuse, or dependence (a condition where your body becomes reliant on a substance). Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about using this medication.

Side Effects

You should be aware that this medication is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Before using it, consult your doctor if you have a persistent cough due to smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or if your cough is accompanied by excessive mucus.

If your cough lasts more than 7 days, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, stop using the medication and seek medical advice, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.

Warnings and Precautions

You should not use this medication if you are under 12 years old. Before using it, consult your doctor if you have a long-lasting cough due to smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or if your cough is producing a lot of mucus.

If your cough lasts more than 7 days, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor, as these may indicate a more serious condition. In the event of an overdose, seek emergency medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center. Signs of an overdose can vary, but it’s important to be aware of any unusual symptoms you or someone else may experience.

To prevent accidental overdoses, always keep medications out of reach of children. Being cautious and informed can help ensure safety for you and your loved ones.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using this medication. They can provide guidance on whether it’s safe for you and your baby. Always prioritize your health and the health of your child by seeking expert advice.

Lactation Use

If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication. This is to ensure that it is safe for you and your baby. Always prioritize your health and your infant's well-being by seeking expert advice.

Pediatric Use

It is important to note that this medication should not be used in children under 12 years of age. If you are a parent or caregiver, please ensure that your child meets this age requirement before considering this treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about the appropriate use of this medication for your child.

Geriatric Use

When it comes to using this medication in older adults, there is no specific information available about dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. This means that if you or a loved one is an older adult, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can help determine the best approach based on individual health needs and any other medications being taken. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare team to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that the information provided does not include specific guidelines for dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations related to renal impairment (kidney issues). This means that there are no tailored recommendations for how your treatment may need to change based on your kidney function.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that your treatment is safe and effective for your specific condition. They can help you understand any necessary precautions or adjustments based on your kidney health.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that the information provided does not include specific guidelines for dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions related to your condition. This means that there are no tailored recommendations for how the medication may affect you differently due to your liver health.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any treatment plan is safe and effective for your specific situation. They can help determine the best approach based on your liver function and overall health.

Drug Interactions

It's important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about any medications or tests you may be taking. While there are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions noted for this medication, your healthcare provider can help ensure that everything you are taking works well together and is safe for you.

Always feel free to ask questions and share your complete list of medications and any lab tests you may be undergoing. This way, you can receive the best possible care tailored to your needs.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of your product, always check that the carton is sealed and the blister pack's printed seal is intact before use. If either is broken or missing, do not use the product.

For proper storage, keep the product in a cool, dry place at a temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F). This helps maintain its quality and effectiveness. Following these guidelines will help you use the product safely and effectively.

Additional Information

You can take this medication orally, with the recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 and older being 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours. However, make sure not to exceed 4 tablets in a 24-hour period.

If you suspect an overdose, it's crucial to seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Additionally, if you experience any unexpected side effects, you can report them to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You can also report side effects by calling 1-866-MUCINEX (1-866-682-4639).

FAQ

What is MUCINEX (GUAIFENESIN) used for?

MUCINEX helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions, making coughs more productive by clearing the bronchial passageways.

How should I take MUCINEX?

You should take MUCINEX with a full glass of water and not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Adults and children 12 years and older can take 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours, not exceeding 4 tablets in 24 hours.

Is MUCINEX safe for children?

No, MUCINEX should not be used for children under 12 years of age.

What should I do if my cough lasts more than 7 days?

You should stop using MUCINEX and ask a doctor if your cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache.

Can I use MUCINEX if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should ask a health professional before using MUCINEX.

What should I do in case of an overdose?

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Are there any specific storage instructions for MUCINEX?

Yes, store MUCINEX between 20-25°C (68-77°F) and do not use it if the carton is open or the seal on the blister is broken or missing.

Packaging Info

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

Packaging configurations for Mucinex.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the facilitation of mucus clearance in patients experiencing excessive bronchial secretions. It helps to loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions, thereby enhancing the productivity of coughs and aiding in the clearance of bothersome mucus from the bronchial passageways.

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should take the tablets with a full glass of water. It is important to note that the tablets 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 or 2 tablets every 12 hours. The total daily dosage should not exceed 4 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 due to safety concerns associated with this population. No other contraindications have been specified.

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 in cases associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients experiencing a cough accompanied by 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 or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. 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 this medication. It is contraindicated for use in children under 12 years of age. Prior to use, 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, or if their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Patients should discontinue use and seek medical advice 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.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with the use of this medication. Additionally, there is no information available regarding interactions with laboratory tests. As such, no specific recommendations for dosage adjustments or monitoring are warranted at this time.

Packaging & NDC

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

Packaging configurations for Mucinex.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should not be administered this medication. There are no established safety or efficacy profiles for this age group, and its use is contraindicated in children younger than 12 years.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information available regarding the use of this medication in geriatric patients, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to elderly patients, as individual responses may vary. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in efficacy.

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 if they are breastfeeding. There is limited data available regarding the excretion of this medication in breast milk and its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, healthcare providers should be consulted to assess the potential risks and benefits of use during lactation.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the available prescribing information. There are no dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or safety considerations outlined for individuals with reduced kidney function. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and consider the lack of data when prescribing to this patient population.

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 action is crucial to mitigate potential adverse effects associated with the overdose.

Healthcare professionals are advised to ensure that the medication is stored securely and kept out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. This precaution is essential in safeguarding against unintentional overdoses, particularly in pediatric populations.

Monitoring and management of overdose symptoms should be conducted in a clinical setting, where appropriate interventions can be implemented based on the specific circumstances and severity of the overdose.

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 suspected adverse reactions have been received through voluntary submissions and surveillance programs. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or via the website www.fda.gov/medwatch. Additionally, side effects can be reported to the dedicated phone line at 1-866-MUCINEX (1-866-682-4639).

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center in the event of an overdose. It is essential to emphasize the importance of keeping the medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Patients should be informed that this medication is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Providers should instruct patients 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 underlying condition.

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. 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. It should not be used if the carton is open or if the printed seal on the blister is broken or missing.

For optimal storage, the product must be kept at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Proper handling and storage conditions are essential to maintain 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 to exceed 4 tablets within a 24-hour period. In the event of an overdose, patients should seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Clinicians are advised to inform patients about the importance of reporting any suspected adverse reactions. Reports can be made to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or through the FDA's MedWatch website, as well as to Mucinex at 1-866-MUCINEX (1-866-682-4639).

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Mucinex, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

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Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.