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dextromethorphan/guaifenesin (Mucinex DM, Robitussin Peak Cold Cough+Chest Congestion DM, Delsym Cough + Chest Congestion, Children's Delsym Cough + Chest Congestion, Robitussin Peak Cold Maximum Strength Cough+Chest Congestion DM, Vicks 44E, Coricidin HBP Chest Congestion and Cough, Diabetic Tussin DM, Diabetic Tussin DM Maximum Strength, Duratuss DM, Genatuss DM, Guaicon DM, Guaifenex DM, Guiatuss DM, Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max, Phanatuss DM, Q-Tussin DM, Robafen DM, Safetussin DM, Siltussin DM, St. Joseph Chest Congestion and Cough, Touro DM, Vicks Pediatric Formula 44E)

 

Classes: Antitussives, Non-narcotic Combos

Dosing and uses of Mucinex DM, Robitussin Peak Cold Cough+Chest Congestion DM (dextromethorphan/guaifenesin)

 

Adult dosage forms and strengths

dextromethorphan/guaifenesin

capsule

  • 10mg/200mg

granules

  • (5mg/100mg)/packet

liquid

  • (5mg/100mg)/5mL
  • (10mg/100mg)/5mL
  • (10mg/150mg)/5mL
  • (10mg/200mg)/5mL
  • (15mg/100mg)/5mL
  • (15mg/200mg)/5mL
  • (20mg/200mg)/5mL
  • (20mg/300mg)/5mL

liquid oral drops

  • (5mg/100mg)/2.5mL

caplet

  • 15mg/400mg
  • 20mg/400mg

tablet

  • 60mg/1000mg
  • 60mg/1200mg

tablet, extended-release

  • 30mg/600mg
  • 60mg/1200mg

tablet, timed release

  • 60mg/1200mg

tablet, sustained-release

  • 60mg/1200mg

 

Cough

Indicated for temporary control of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation

General Guidelines: 200-400 mg guaifenesin and 10-20 mg dextromethorphan q4hr; not to exceed 2400 mg guaifenesin and 120 mg dextromethorphan

Mucinex DM: 1-2 tablets q12hr; not to exceed 4 tablets/24 hours

Robitussin Peak Cold Cough+Chest Congestion DM: 10 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/24 hours

Robitussin Peak Cold Maximum Strength Cough+Chest Congestion DM: 10 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/24 hr

Vicks 44E: 15 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/24 hours

Vicks Pediatric Formula 44E: 30 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/24 hours

Safe Tussin DM: 10 mL PO q4hr prn (10 mg/100 mg per 5 mL)

 

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

dextromethorphan/guaifenesin

capsule

  • 10mg/200mg

granules

  • (5mg/100mg)/packet

liquid

  • (5mg/100mg)/5mL
  • (10mg/100mg)/5mL
  • (10mg/150mg)/5mL
  • (10mg/200mg)/5mL
  • (15mg/100mg)/5mL
  • (15mg/200mg)/5mL
  • (20mg/200mg)/5mL

liquid oral drops

  • (5mg/100mg)/2.5mL

caplet

  • 15mg/400mg20mg/400mg

tablet

  • 20mg/400mg

tablet, extended-release

  • 30mg/500mg
  • 30mg/575mg
  • 30mg/600mg
  • 60mg/1000mg

tablet, long-acting

  • 30mg/500mg
  • 30mg/650mg
  • 50mg/1000mg
  • 60mg/1000mg

tablet, sustained-release

  • 30mg/800mg
  • 55mg/1000mg
  • 60mg/1000mg
  • 60mg/1200mg

 

Cough

Indicated for temporary control of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation

<6 years

  • Ask a pediatrician

6-12 years

  • Guifenex DM, Touro DM: 1 tablet PO q12hr; not to exceed 2 tablets/24 hours
  • Robitussin DM, Robitussin Sugar Free Cough: 5 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/24 hours
  • Vicks 44E 7.5 mL q4hr; maximum 6 doses/24 hours
  • Vicks Pediatric Formula 44E: 15 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/24 hours

>12 years

  • Guaifenex DM, Mucinex DM, Touro DM: 1-2 tablets q12hr; not to exceed 4 tablets/24 hours
  • Robitussin Peak Cold Cough+Chest Congestion DM: 10 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/24 hr
  • Robitussin Peak Cold Maximum Strength Cough+Chest Congestion DM: 10 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/24 hr
  • Vicks 44E: 15 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/24 hours
  • Vicks Pediatric Formula 44E: 30 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/24 hours
  • Safetussin DM: 10 mL PO q4hr prn (10 mg/100 mg per 5 mL)

 

Mucinex DM, Robitussin Peak Cold Cough+Chest Congestion DM (dextromethorphan/guaifenesin) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Headache

Nausea

Vomiting

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Both drugs contraindicated in documented hypersensitivity to either drug or components

Not for persistent cough associated with chronic bronchitis, smoking, asthma, or accompanied with excessive secretions

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnacy Category: C

Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Mucinex DM, Robitussin Peak Cold Cough+Chest Congestion DM (dextromethorphan/guaifenesin)

Mechanism of action

Guaifenesin increases respiratory tract fluid secretions and helps to loosen phlegm and bronchial secretions.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that acts centrally on the cough center in the medulla.