GUAIFENESIN

Generic Name: guaifenesin

Brand Name: Allfen; AMBI 1000, 1200; Diabetic Tussin; Hytuss; Hytuss 2X; Liquibid; Mucinex; Muco-
Fen; Organidin NR; Robitussin, Scot-Tussin Expectorant; Siltussin SA
Classification: Expectorant

Guaifenesin, sold under the brand name Mucinex among others, is a medication used to try to help cough
out phlegm from the airways. It is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the
airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.

Dosage & Route

 Available forms : Syrup—100 mg/5 mL; liquid—100, 200 mg/5 mL; capsules—200 mg; tablets—
100, 200, 400 mg; ER tablets—600, 1,200 mg

Adults and Patients > 12 Yr

 200–400 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 2.4 g/day.
Pediatric Patients 6–12 Yr
 100–200 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 1.2 g/day.
Pediatric Patients 2–6 Yr
 50–100 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 600 mg/day.

Therapeutic actions
 Guaifenesin increases the volume and reduce the viscosity of tenacious sputum and is used as an
expectorant for productive cough.

Indications
 Symptomatic relief of respiratory conditions characterized by dry, nonproductive cough when there
is mucus in the respiratory tract.

Adverse effects
 GI discomfort, nausea and vomiting; dizziness, drowsiness, headache; rash; decreased uric acid
levels; urinary calculi (large doses).

Contraindications
 Hypersensitivity

Nursing considerations
CLINICAL ALERT! Name confusion has been reported between Mucinex (guaifenesin) and Mucomyst
(acetylcysteine); use caution.
Assessment
 History: Allergy to guaifenesin; persistent cough due to smoking, asthma, or emphysema; very
productive cough; pregnancy
 Physical: Skin lesions, color; T; orientation, affect; R, adventitious sounds
Interventions
 WARNING: Monitor reaction to drug; persistent cough for more than 1 wk, fever, rash, or
persistent headache may indicate a more serious condition,