Mucus

Description

Guaifenesin Extended-Release Tablets contain 1200 mg of guaifenesin, an expectorant indicated for the relief of chest congestion. The formulation is designed for both immediate and extended release, providing a duration of action of up to 12 hours. Each package contains 14 extended-release tablets. This product is comparable to the active ingredient in Maximum Strength Mucinex®† and is marketed under the GOOD NEIGHBOR PHARMACY® label. The tablets work by thinning and loosening mucus, facilitating easier expectoration. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 46122-417-74.

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 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 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 immediate medical assistance 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. 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 the 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 specific drug interactions identified for the medication. Additionally, no interactions with laboratory tests have been reported. Therefore, no dosage adjustments or monitoring recommendations are necessary at this time. It is advisable for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and consult updated resources for any emerging data regarding potential interactions.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Mucus (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. Safety and efficacy have not been established in this population, and use is contraindicated. Healthcare professionals are advised to consider alternative treatments for pediatric patients in this age group.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information 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. Monitoring for potential adverse effects and therapeutic efficacy is recommended in this population.

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 associated with its use during pregnancy and lactation. The safety of this medication in pregnant women has not been established, and caution is advised to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus.

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 absence of guidance 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 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 symptoms may vary depending on the substance involved. Therefore, a thorough assessment of the patient's condition is essential to determine the appropriate course of action.

Management procedures may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the specific symptoms presented. Continuous monitoring of the patient's vital signs and clinical status is recommended to ensure safety and effectiveness of the treatment provided.

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 compound in these areas.

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 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 stop using the medication 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, with a recommended dosage of one tablet every 12 hours for adults and children aged 12 years and older, not to exceed 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 before use. Additionally, it is important to keep the medication out of reach of children and to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) in the event of an overdose.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)