Mucus

Description

NDC 49035-070-21. Equate™ Guaifenesin Extended-Release Tablets contain 600 mg of the active ingredient Mucus ER, serving as an expectorant. This formulation is designed to relieve chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus. The tablets provide both immediate and extended-release effects, with a duration of action lasting up to 12 hours. Each package contains 20 extended-release tablets, with the actual size of the tablets noted. This product is comparable to Mucinex®.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the relief of chest congestion by helping to loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions. It facilitates the clearance of bothersome mucus from the bronchial passageways, thereby making coughs more productive. The drug is available in both immediate and extended-release formulations to accommodate varying patient needs.

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 for 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.

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 those associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients experiencing a cough that is 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 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 use in 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 at this time.

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 within this age range.

Geriatric Use

Geriatric patients have not been specifically addressed in the provided drug insert. Consequently, there are no recommended age considerations, dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions outlined for this population. Healthcare providers should exercise clinical judgment when prescribing this medication to elderly patients, considering individual patient factors and potential risks associated with pharmacotherapy in this age group. Regular monitoring and assessment may be warranted to ensure safety and efficacy 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 considered in these populations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus or infant.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is no specific data available regarding 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 not been specifically addressed in the drug insert regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed 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 efficacy during the management of an 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 question. Further studies may be necessary to elucidate these aspects of nonclinical toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Reports of side effects have been received through voluntary submissions and surveillance programs. Patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any adverse events associated with the use of the product to the designated contact number provided.

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. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours, with a maximum of 4 tablets in a 24-hour period. It is contraindicated for use in children under 12 years of age.

There is no additional information available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

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)