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Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is an expectorant that enhances the output of respiratory tract fluid, reducing adhesiveness and surface tension to facilitate the removal of viscous mucus. It is used for symptomatic relief of respiratory conditions characterized by dry, nonproductive cough in the presence of mucus. Common adverse effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and GI discomfort. It should be used cautiously in pregnancy and with persistent coughs, and is contraindicated in those with guaifenesin allergy. Dosage varies depending on age and formulation.

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3K views2 pages

Guaifenesin

Guaifenesin is an expectorant that enhances the output of respiratory tract fluid, reducing adhesiveness and surface tension to facilitate the removal of viscous mucus. It is used for symptomatic relief of respiratory conditions characterized by dry, nonproductive cough in the presence of mucus. Common adverse effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and GI discomfort. It should be used cautiously in pregnancy and with persistent coughs, and is contraindicated in those with guaifenesin allergy. Dosage varies depending on age and formulation.

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api-3797941
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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.

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