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1 patients (some products may contain sugar); OB: Although safety has not been estab-
lished, guaifenesin has been used without adverse effects; Pedi: OTC cough and cold
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guaiFENesin (gwye-fen-e-sin) products containing this medication should be avoided in children ⬍4 yr .
Alfen Jr, Altarussin, Balminil Expectorant, Benylin Chest Congestion Extralz Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Strength, Breonesin, Bronchophan Expectorant, Chest Congestion, Cough CNS: dizziness, headache. GI: nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting. Derm:
Syrup Expectorant, Diabetic Tussin, Expectorant Syrup, Ganidin NR, Guiatuss, rash, urticaria.
Hytuss, Hytuss-2X, Jack & Jill Expectorant, Mucinex, Naldecon Senior EX,
Organidin NR, Robitussin, Scot-tussin Expectorant, Siltussin SA, Siltussin DAS, Interactions
Vicks Chest Congestion Relief, Vicks Dayquil Mucus Control Drug-Drug: None significant.
Classification
Therapeutic: allergy, cold, and cough remedies, expectorant Route/Dosage
Pregnancy Category C PO (Adults): 200– 400 mg q 4 hr or 600– 1200 mg q 12 hr as extended-release
product (not to exceed 2400 mg/day).
PO (Children 6– 12 yr): 100– 200 mg q 4 hr or 600 mg q 12 hr as extended-re-
Indications lease product (not to exceed 1200 mg/day).
Coughs associated with viral upper respiratory tract infections. PO (Children 4– 6 yr): 50– 100 mg q 4 hr (not to exceed 600 mg/day).
Action NURSING IMPLICATIONS
Reduces viscosity of tenacious secretions by increasing respiratory tract fluid. Ther-
apeutic Effects: Mobilization and subsequent expectoration of mucus. Assessment
● Assess lung sounds, frequency and type of cough, and character of bronchial se-
Pharmacokinetics cretions periodically during therapy. Maintain fluid intake of 1500– 2000 mL/day
Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration. to decrease viscosity of secretions.
Distribution: Unknown.
Metabolism and Excretion: Renally excreted as metabolites. Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Half-life: Unknown. Ineffective airway clearance (Indications)
TIME/ACTION PROFILE (expectorant action) Implementation
ROUTE ONSET PEAK DURATION ● Do not confuse guaifenesin with guanfacine. Do not confuse Mucinex
PO 30 min unknown 4–6 hr with Mucomyst.
PO-ER unknown unknown 12 hr ● PO: Administer each dose of guaifenesin followed by a full glass of water to de-
crease viscosity of secretions.
Contraindications/Precautions ● Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole; do not open, break, crush,
Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity; Some products contain alcohol; avoid in or chew.
patients with known intolerance; Some products contain aspartame and should be
avoided in patients with phenylketonuria. Patient/Family Teaching
Use Cautiously in: Cough lasting ⬎1 wk or accompanied by fever, rash, or head- ● Instruct patient to cough effectively. Patient should sit upright and take several
ache; Patients receiving disulfiram (liquid products may contain alcohol); Diabetic deep breaths before attempting to cough.
⫽ Canadian drug name. ⫽ Genetic Implication. CAPITALS indicate life-threatening, underlines indicate most frequent. Strikethrough ⫽ Discontinued.
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● Caution parents to avoid OTC cough and cold products while breast feed- PDF Page #2
ing or administering to children ⬍4 yrs.
● Inform patient that drug may occasionally cause dizziness. Avoid driving or other
activities requiring alertness until response to drug is known.
● Advise patient to limit talking, stop smoking, maintain moisture in environmental
air, and take some sugarless gum or hard candy to help alleviate the discomfort
caused by a chronic nonproductive cough.
● Instruct patient to contact health care professional if cough persists longer than 1
wk or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache or sore throat.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
● Easier mobilization and expectoration of mucus from cough associated with up-
per respiratory infection.
Why was this drug prescribed for your patient?

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