Tussin Mucus 200mg/10ml Oral Liq
It is used to thin mucus so it can be taken from the body by coughing.
Drug Class
Expectorant
Pharmacologic Class
Expectorant (Mucolytic Agent)
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in your lungs and airways, making it easier to cough up. This can help relieve chest congestion caused by colds, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food, but if it causes stomach upset, take it with food. Drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.
When measuring liquid doses, use the measuring device that comes with the medication. If one is not provided, ask your pharmacist for a suitable measuring device to ensure accurate dosing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist, who may be aware of drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food, but if it causes stomach upset, take it with food. Drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.
When measuring liquid doses, use the measuring device that comes with the medication. If one is not provided, ask your pharmacist for a suitable measuring device to ensure accurate dosing.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your doctor or pharmacist. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist, who may be aware of drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Drink plenty of fluids (water, juice) while taking this medication to help thin mucus and improve its effectiveness.
- Avoid smoking, as it can worsen cough and congestion.
- Get adequate rest.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
200 mg to 400 mg every 4 hours as needed
Dose Range:
200 - 400 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
maximumDailyDose:
2400 mg in 24 hours
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established (generally not recommended for children under 2 years without physician consultation)
Child:
6 to under 12 years: 100 mg to 200 mg every 4 hours as needed (Max 1200 mg/24 hours); 2 to under 6 years: 50 mg to 100 mg every 4 hours as needed (Max 600 mg/24 hours)
Adolescent:
12 years and older: 200 mg to 400 mg every 4 hours as needed (Max 2400 mg/24 hours)
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment needed
Moderate:
No specific adjustment needed
Severe:
Use with caution; monitor for adverse effects. No specific dose adjustment guidelines.
Dialysis:
Not significantly dialyzable; no specific recommendations, use with caution.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment needed
Moderate:
No specific adjustment needed
Severe:
No specific adjustment needed, but use with caution in severe liver disease due to potential for altered metabolism.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by increasing the volume and decreasing the viscosity of secretions in the trachea and bronchi. It is thought to act as an irritant to the gastric vagal receptors, stimulating respiratory tract fluid secretion, which helps to lubricate the irritated respiratory tract and make phlegm easier to expel.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Rapidly and well absorbed orally
Tmax:
Approximately 1 hour
FoodEffect:
Minimal effect on absorption; can be taken with or without food.
Distribution:
Vd:
Not extensively studied, but widely distributed
ProteinBinding:
Not extensively protein bound (approximately 10%)
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Approximately 1 hour
Clearance:
Rapid
ExcretionRoute:
Primarily renal (urine)
Unchanged:
Less than 1% excreted unchanged in urine
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Within 30 minutes
PeakEffect:
Approximately 1 hour
DurationOfAction:
Approximately 4-6 hours
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Cough that lasts more than 7 days or comes back
- Cough with fever, rash, or persistent headache
- Signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat)
- Severe dizziness or lightheadedness
- Unusual nervousness or restlessness
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have a cough that produces a significant amount of mucus, a persistent cough caused by smoking or exposure to smoke, or pre-existing lung conditions like asthma or emphysema.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all potential interactions with your doctor. To ensure your safety, please disclose the following information to your doctor and pharmacist:
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
Any health problems you have, as they may affect the safety and efficacy of this medication.
Remember, it is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have a cough that produces a significant amount of mucus, a persistent cough caused by smoking or exposure to smoke, or pre-existing lung conditions like asthma or emphysema.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all potential interactions with your doctor. To ensure your safety, please disclose the following information to your doctor and pharmacist:
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
Any health problems you have, as they may affect the safety and efficacy of this medication.
Remember, it is vital to verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are following a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, consult your doctor, as some formulations of this drug may contain sodium. Additionally, if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), discuss this with your doctor, as certain products may contain phenylalanine. Be aware that different brands of this medication may be approved for use in children of varying ages, so it is crucial to consult with your doctor before administering this drug to a child. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you must discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Kidney stones (with very high, prolonged doses)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). Treatment is generally supportive.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Effectiveness in thinning mucus and easing cough
- Resolution of cough symptoms
- Development of new or worsening symptoms (e.g., fever, rash, persistent headache)
- Signs of allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Guaifenesin is classified as Pregnancy Category C. While animal studies have not shown significant harm, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is generally considered acceptable for short-term use during pregnancy if clearly needed, especially after the first trimester, but always consult a healthcare provider.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Use with caution; generally avoided unless benefits outweigh risks.
Second Trimester:
Generally considered safer for use if needed.
Third Trimester:
Generally considered safer for use if needed.
Lactation
Guaifenesin is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding (L3 - Moderately Safe) for short-term use. Monitor the infant for any signs of adverse effects like drowsiness or irritability, though these are rare.
Infant Risk:
Low risk for short-term use; monitor for drowsiness or GI upset.
Pediatric Use
Not recommended for children under 2 years of age without specific medical advice. For children 2 years and older, use age-appropriate dosing and formulations. Always use a measuring device provided with the product to ensure accurate dosing.
Geriatric Use
Generally safe for use in the elderly at standard adult doses. No specific dose adjustments are typically required based on age alone, but caution should be exercised in patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Guaifenesin is most effective when accompanied by adequate hydration. Encourage patients to drink plenty of water.
- It is an expectorant, meaning it helps to thin mucus, not suppress cough. It is best for productive coughs (coughs with mucus).
- Advise patients that if their cough persists for more than 7 days, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache, they should consult a healthcare professional.
- Over-the-counter cough and cold products often contain multiple active ingredients. Advise patients to check labels carefully to avoid accidental overdose or unnecessary medication.
Alternative Therapies
- N-acetylcysteine (prescription mucolytic, different mechanism)
- Steam inhalation
- Humidifiers
- Saline nasal sprays/washes
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Varies widely (OTC product) per bottle
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Often not covered by prescription plans as it's an OTC product, but may be eligible for FSA/HSA.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.