guaifenesin Nursing Considerations & Management

 Drug Name

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

Pregnancy Category C

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.
Teaching points
  • Some extended-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 week; if fever, rash, or headache occur, consult your health care provider.
  • You may experience these side effects: Nausea, vomiting (eat frequent small meals); dizziness, headache (avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery).
  • Report fever, rash, severe vomiting, persistent cough.