Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu

Description

MUCINEX® FAST-MAX® COLD & FLU is a maximum strength formulation designed for the relief of multiple cold and flu symptoms. Each unit contains 16 fast dissolving liquid gels, which are liquid-filled capsules. The active ingredients include acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant; guaifenesin, an expectorant; and phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant. This combination addresses symptoms such as headache, sore throat, chest congestion, body pain, fever, cough, nasal congestion, sinus congestion, and sinus pressure. The product is indicated for use in individuals aged 12 years and older. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 72854-126-16.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including nasal congestion, headache, cough, stuffy nose, minor aches and pains, sore throat, and sinus congestion and pressure. Additionally, it temporarily reduces fever and assists in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, thereby facilitating the clearance of mucus from the bronchial passageways and making coughs more productive.

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage guidelines. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 liquid gels every 4 hours, not to exceed 12 liquid gels within a 24-hour period.

It is imperative that patients do not exceed the directed dosage, as an overdose may lead to serious health risks. The product is not indicated for use in children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Co-administration with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

• Concurrent use with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are utilized for the treatment of depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease, is contraindicated. This includes a prohibition on use for 2 weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. If there is uncertainty about whether a prescription medication contains an MAOI, a healthcare professional should be consulted prior to using this product.

• It is also advised not to exceed the recommended dosage when using this product.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which poses a risk of severe liver damage if the following conditions are met: exceeding 12 liquid gels within a 24-hour period, concurrent use with other acetaminophen-containing medications, or consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen may also lead to severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. Should any of these symptoms occur, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor promptly if they experience a severe sore throat that persists for more than two days or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

In the event of an overdose, which may result in liver damage, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should be instructed to seek help or contact a Poison Control Center without delay, regardless of whether signs or symptoms are present.

General precautions should be taken prior to use. Patients should be advised to consult a healthcare provider if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, or a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist before using this product. It is essential that patients adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount.

Patients should be instructed to stop taking the product and contact a healthcare professional if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists beyond seven days; if fever worsens or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms develop; or if a cough recurs with fever, rash, or headache lasting longer than expected, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Side Effects

Severe liver damage may occur in patients who exceed the maximum daily dosage of 12 liquid gels within a 24-hour period, take the product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients should be aware that acetaminophen may lead to severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use and seek medical assistance immediately.

If a patient experiences a severe sore throat that persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, they should consult a healthcare professional promptly.

This product should not be used in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. Patients are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether a drug contains acetaminophen. Additionally, this product should not be taken by individuals currently using a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of stopping such medication.

Patients with liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or those experiencing trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should seek medical advice before using this product. Furthermore, individuals with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, as well as those with a cough that produces excessive phlegm, should also consult a healthcare provider prior to use.

Patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days; if fever worsens or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache lasting longer than expected, as these may indicate a serious condition.

An overdose of this product may result in liver damage. In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately, as prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are initially apparent.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of this medication with other products containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is contraindicated due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose, which can lead to severe liver damage.

The use of this medication is also contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric disorders, or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it should not be administered for at least two weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI to avoid potential hypertensive crises or other serious adverse effects.

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, prior to using this medication. Monitoring of coagulation parameters may be necessary to ensure safe use and to mitigate the risk of increased bleeding.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine hydrochloride). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should not use this medication. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 liquid gels every 4 hours.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may use this product as it is indicated for adults and children aged 12 years and older. There are no specific dosage adjustments or safety concerns noted for this population in the provided information. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to exercise caution and consider the overall health status of geriatric patients.

General precautions should be taken when prescribing this product to elderly patients, particularly those with pre-existing conditions such as liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or urinary difficulties due to an enlarged prostate gland. These conditions may necessitate closer monitoring and a thorough evaluation before initiating treatment.

In the event of an overdose, prompt medical attention is critical for all adults, including elderly patients. Healthcare providers should ensure that caregivers and patients are aware of the signs of overdose and the importance of seeking immediate care if such an event occurs.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is important to evaluate the potential risks and benefits associated with the use of this drug during pregnancy and lactation. Healthcare providers can offer guidance based on individual circumstances and the latest clinical data.

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 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 should exercise caution when using this product, which contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the maximum daily amount of 12 liquid gels within a 24-hour period, take this product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

It is advised that patients with liver disease consult a healthcare professional prior to use. Additionally, exceeding the recommended dosage may lead to overdose, which can result in liver damage. In the event of an overdose, it is imperative that patients seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center. Prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms of overdose are apparent.

Overdosage

Taking more than the recommended dose may lead to significant liver damage. It is imperative that in the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance is sought. Healthcare professionals should advise patients or caregivers to contact a Poison Control Center without delay.

Quick medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms. Prompt intervention can mitigate potential complications associated with overdose and improve patient outcomes.

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. Patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any adverse events associated with the use of the product to the designated contact number provided for this purpose.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Patients should be instructed not to use this product in conjunction with any other medications containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If patients are uncertain whether a drug contains acetaminophen, they should be encouraged to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

It is important to inform patients that they should not use this product if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken one within the past two weeks. Patients should be advised to ask their healthcare provider if they are unsure whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and seek medical advice if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, they should be informed to stop using the product and consult a doctor if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days, if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, or if redness or swelling occurs. Patients should also be advised to seek medical attention if new symptoms arise or if a cough returns, especially if accompanied by fever, rash, or a headache that lasts, as these may indicate a serious condition.

When using this product, patients must be reminded not to exceed the recommended dosage. Healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult a doctor before use if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Patients with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, should also be advised to seek medical guidance before using this product. Furthermore, patients should be encouraged to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available upon request. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Care should be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat to maintain product integrity.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with the recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older being two liquid gels every four hours. It is advised that this medication not be used in 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. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

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