guaifenesin

(gwye fen' e sin)

Allfen; AMBI 1000, 1200; Anti-Tuss; Diabetic Tussin EX; Fenesin; Guaifenex
LA; Humibid LA; Hytuss; Hytuss 2X; Liquibid; Mucinex; Organidin NR;
Respa-GF; Robitussin, Scot-tussin Expectorant; Siltussin SA; Touro EX

Pregnancy Category C

Drug class
Expectorant

Therapeutic actions
Enhances the output of respiratory tract fluid by reducing adhesiveness and surface
tension, facilitating the removal of viscous mucus.

Indications
• Symptomatic relief of respiratory conditions characterized by dry, nonproductive
cough and in the presence of mucus in the respiratory tract.

Contraindications and cautions

• Contraindicated with allergy to guaifenesin.
• Use cautiously with pregnancy, lactation, and persistent coughs.

Available forms
Syrup—100 mg/5 mL; liquid—100, 200 mg/5 mL; capsules—200 mg; SR capsules—
300 mg; tablets—100, 200 mg; SR and ER tablets—600, 800, 1,000, 1,200 mg

Dosages
ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS > 12 YR
200–400 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 2.4 g/day.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS < 12 YR
2–6 yr: 50–100 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 600 mg/day.
6–12 yr: 100–200 mg PO q 4 hr. Do not exceed 1.2 g/day.

Pharmacokinetics
Route Onset Duration
Oral 30 min 4–6 hr

Metabolism: Not known; T1/2: Not known

Distribution and excretion: Urine

Adverse effects
• CNS: Headache, dizziness
• Dermatologic: Rash
• GI: Nausea, vomiting, GI discomfort

Interactions
Drug-lab test
• Color interference and false results of 5-HIAA and VMA urinary determinations

Nursing considerations
Assessment
• History: Allergy to guaifenesin; persistent cough due to smoking, asthma, or
emphysema; very productive cough; pregnancy
• Physical: Skin lesions, color; T; orientation, affects; R, adventitious sounds

Interventions
• Monitor reaction to drug; persistent cough for more than 1 wk, fever, rash, or
persistent headache may indicate a more serious condition.

Teaching points
• Some extended- or sustained-release formulations may be cut in half but cannot
be crushed or chewed. Mucinex cannot be crushed, chewed, or cut.
• Do not take for longer than 1 wk; if fever, rash, headache occur, consult health
care provider.
• These side effects may occur: Nausea, vomiting (eat frequent small meals);
dizziness, headache (avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery).
• Report fever, rash, severe vomiting, persistent cough.

Adverse effects in Italic are most common; those in Bold are life-threatening.