Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; 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 & 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 & Cough, Touro DM, Vicks Pediatric Formula 44E
- Antitussives, Non-narcotic Combos
Description
Oral non-opioid antitussive (dextromethorphan) and expectorant (guaifenesin) combination
Used to quiet cough and induce expectoration
Products mostly marketed for cough due to common cold
Indications
Indicated for the temporary relief of cough, especially non-productive cough, due to minor throat and bronchial irritation such as may occur with the common cold.
Indicated for temporary control of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity to either drug or components
Within 14 days of taking MAO inhibitor
Adverse Effects
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Warnings
Dextromethorphan
Do not take for persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if it is accompanied by excessive phlegm unless directed by a healthcare provider; may slow respiration rate
Hallucinations, confusion, agitation, hyper-reflexia, shivering, myoclonus, and tachycardia may occur
Caution in children younger than 6 years
Not for OTC use in children <4 years
Use caution in patients who are sedated, debilitated or confined to supine position
Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is not for administration in persistent cough associated with chronic bronchitis, smoking, asthma, or accompanied with excessive secretions
If cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm, consult healthcare provider prior to use
Consult healthcare provider if symptoms are accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache
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
Maximum Dosage
Do not exceed recommended dosage limits for the specific product prescribed. In general, maximum dosing is established based on the dextromethorphan component of the product selected. The following are general guidelines.
Dextromethorphan 120 mg/day PO; guaifenesin 2.4 grams/day PO.
Dextromethorphan 120 mg/day PO; guaifenesin 2.4 grams/day PO.
Dextromethorphan 120 mg/day PO; guaifenesin 2.4 grams/day PO.
12 years: Dextromethorphan 120 mg/day PO; guaifenesin 2.4 grams/day PO.
6 to 11 years: Dextromethorphan 60 mg/day PO. Do not use extended-release dosage forms.
2 to 5 years: Dextromethorphan 30 mg/day PO. Do not use extended-release dosage forms.
Less than 2 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
How supplied
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