Dosing and uses of Mucinex, Bidex 400 (guaifenesin)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
tablet
- 200mg
- 400mg
tablet, extended-release
- 600mg
- 1200mg
oral syrup
- 100mg/5mL
liquid
- 100mg/5mL
- 200mg/5mL
packet
- 50mg
- 100mg
Cough
100-400 mg PO q4hr; not to exceed 2.4 g/day
Extended release: 1-2 tablets (600-1200 mg) PO q12hr; not to exceed 4 tablets/24 hr (2.4 g/day)
Administration
Swallow extended-release tablets whole; do not chew or crush
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
tablet
- 200mg
- 400mg
tablet, extended-release
- 600mg
- 1200mg
oral syrup
- 100mg/5mL
liquid
- 100mg/5mL
- 200mg/5mL
packet
- 50mg
- 100mg
Cough
6 months to 2 years: 25-50 mg q4hr; not to exceed 300 mg/day
2-6 years: 50-100 mg PO q4hr; not to exceed 600 mg/day
6-12 years: 100-200 mg PO q4hr; not to exceed 1.2 g/day
>12 years
- 100-400 mg PO q4hr; not to exceed 2.4 g/day, OR
- 1-2 extended-release tablets (600-1200 mg) PO q12hr; not to exceed 4 tablets/24 hr (2.4 g/day)
Mucinex, Bidex 400 (guaifenesin) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Decreased uric acid levels
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Rash
Postmarketing Reports
Kidney stone formation
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Often comes in combos; check brand name/other constituents
Some products may contain phenylalanine
When using as self-medication in chronic or persistent coughs, notify health-care practitioner if no improvement within 7 days
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
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, Bidex 400 (guaifenesin)
Mechanism of action
Reduces viscosity of secretions by increasing amount of respiratory tract fluid and irritates gastric mucosa
Absorption
Onset: 30 min
Duration: 4-6 hr
Metabolism
Liver
Metabolite: b-(2-methoxyphenoxy) lactic acid
Elimination
Half-life: 1 hr
Excretion: Urine
