Maximum Strength Cough and Congestion Extended Release

Description

DEXTROMETHORPHAN HBr and GUAIFENESIN Extended-release Tablets are formulated to provide a combination of 60 mg of Dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant, and 1200 mg of Guaifenesin, an expectorant. These tablets are designed for extended-release, offering a therapeutic effect that lasts for 12 hours. The formulation effectively controls cough and alleviates chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus. Each package contains 14 tablets, and the product is comparable to the active ingredients found in Maximum Strength Mucinex DM.

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 aids 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 assist patients in achieving restful sleep.

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

Dosage and Administration

The extended-release tablet should be taken with a full glass of water. It is important to note that the tablet must not be crushed, chewed, or broken, as this may affect the release mechanism of the medication.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is one extended-release tablet every 12 hours. The total daily dosage should not exceed two extended-release tablets within a 24-hour period. This medication can be administered without regard to the timing of meals.

Use of this product is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications

There are no specific contraindications identified for this product. However, it is advised that the product should not be used in excess of the directed dosage.

Warnings and Precautions

The use of this product is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age. Healthcare professionals should ensure that this medication is not prescribed to this demographic to avoid potential adverse effects.

Patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease, should not use this product. Additionally, it is essential to refrain from using this medication for at least two weeks after discontinuing an MAOI. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of an MAOI in a patient's current medication regimen, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist prior to administration.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought. Patients or caregivers should contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay.

Healthcare professionals should instruct patients to discontinue use and seek medical advice if a 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 and intervention.

Side Effects

Patients should be aware of the potential adverse reactions associated with 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 could indicate a serious underlying condition.

This product is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age. Additionally, it should not be used in conjunction with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing such medications, which are often prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. Patients uncertain about whether their prescription includes an MAOI are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist prior to use.

Before using this product, patients should seek medical advice if they have a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or if their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of this medication with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated. MAOIs are typically prescribed for the treatment of depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, and Parkinson’s disease. Patients should not initiate therapy with this medication while currently on an MAOI or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI. This precaution is essential to avoid potentially serious interactions that may arise from the pharmacodynamic effects of both drug classes.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Maximum Strength Cough and Congestion Extended Release (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hbr). 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 are no established safety or efficacy profiles for this age group, and its use is contraindicated in children younger than 12 years. Healthcare professionals are advised to consider alternative treatments for pediatric patients within this age range.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific information regarding the use of this medication, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the lack of targeted data for this population.

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 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 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 absence of specific information regarding overdosage in the provided sections of the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPL), healthcare professionals are advised to exercise caution when administering the medication.

It is essential to monitor patients closely for any signs of adverse effects or symptoms that may arise from excessive dosing. In the event of suspected overdosage, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Management of overdosage should be guided by the clinical presentation of the patient. Supportive care and symptomatic treatment are recommended, as there are no established antidotes for this medication. Healthcare providers should ensure that patients receive appropriate monitoring and intervention based on their individual clinical status.

For further guidance, healthcare professionals are encouraged to consult local poison control centers or relevant clinical guidelines.

Nonclinical Toxicology

If pregnant or breast-feeding, 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. 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 seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. It is important for patients to be aware that they should discontinue use and consult a doctor if their cough persists for more than 7 days, returns, or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, rash, or a persistent headache, as these may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Patients should be instructed to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount when using this product. 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. Furthermore, patients should be advised to seek medical advice if their cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at a controlled temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) to maintain its integrity and efficacy. Proper storage conditions must be adhered to, ensuring that the product is kept within the specified temperature limits to prevent degradation.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with the recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older being one tablet every 12 hours, 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 health professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, it is important to keep the medication out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, patients should seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Maximum Strength Cough and Congestion Extended Release, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)