Mucinex

Mucinex is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

Mucinex is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.

Mucinex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use Mucinex exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with a fever, rash, or persistent headache.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.

Take Mucinex with food if it upsets your stomach.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medication.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

You should not use Mucinex if you are allergic to guaifenesin.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Mucinex if you have other medical conditions, especially if you have a persistent or chronic cough (such as from smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema), or a cough with too much mucus.

It is not known whether Mucinex will harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether guaifenesin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Do not give Mucinex to a child under 12 without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Mucinex: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of Mucinex may include:

• dizziness;
• headache;
• rash;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• stomach upset.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose of Mucinex for Cough:

• Immediate release formulation: 200 to 400 mg orally every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 2.4 g/day
• Sustained release formulation: 600 to 1200 mg orally every 12 hours, not to exceed 2.4 g/day

Usual Pediatric Dose of Mucinex for Cough:

• 12 years or older: 200 to 400 mg orally every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 2.4 g/day

Sustained-release formulation:

• 12 years or older: 600 to 1200 mg orally every 12 hours, not to exceed 2.4 g/day

Since cough or cold medicine is taken when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Mucinex may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, or cough medicine. Many combination medicines contain Mucinex. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an expectorant.

Other drugs may interact with guaifenesin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Mucinex.