What Is Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine and How Does It Work?
Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used for temporary relief of nasal congestion and cough associated with respiratory tract infections and related conditions such as sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and asthma.
- Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine is available under the following different brand names: Mucinex D, Guaifenex PSE, Refenesen Plus, Sinutab Non-Drying, Congestac
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine?
Common side effects of Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine include:
- dry mouth, nose, or throat,
- upset stomach,
- loss of appetite,
- vomiting,
- excitement,
- restlessness,
- sleep problems (insomnia),
- headache, and
- dizziness
Serious side effects of Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine include:
- hives,
- difficulty breathing,
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
- fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat,
- severe anxiety, and
- nervousness
Rare side effects of Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine include:
- none
Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
- Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
- Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.
This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What Are the Dosages of Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine?
Adult and pediatric dosage
Caplet
- 400 mg/60 mg
Tablet
- 400 mg/20 mg
- 400 mg/30 mg
- 400 mg/40 mg
- 400 mg/60 mg
Tablet extended release
- 1200 mg/120 mg
- 600 mg/60 mg
Nasal Congestion, Loosening of Phlegm & Thin Bronchial Secretions
Adult dosage
- Musinex –D 600/60: 1-2 tabs or cap orally every 12 hours; not to exceed 4 tabs or cap/24 hours
- Musinex –D 1200/120: 1 tab or cap orally every 12 hours; not to exceed 2 tabs or cap/24 hours
- Congestac: 1 caplet orally every 4-6 hours; not to exceed 4 caplets/24 hours
- Maxifed G: 1-2 tabs orally every 12 hours; not to exceed 4 tabs/24 hours
- Maxifed: 1-1½ tab orally every 12 hours; not to exceed 3 tabs/24 hours
Pediatric dosage
- Aged below 6 years
- Ask a pediatrician
- 6-12 Years
- Ambifed G, Maxifed: ½ tab or cap orally every 12 hours; not to exceed 1 tab or cap/24 hours
- Congestac: ½ caplet orally every 4-6 hours; not to exceed 2 caplets/24 hours
- Maxifed-G: ½ - 1 tab orally every 12 hours; not to exceed 2 tab/24hours
- Aged above 12 Years
- Musinex –D 600/60: 1-2 tabs or cap orally every 12 hours; not to exceed 4 tabs or cap/24 hours
- Musinex –D 1200/120: 1 tab or cap orally every 12 hours; not to exceed 2 tabs or cap/24 hours
- Congestac: 1 caplet orally every 4-6 hours; not to exceed 4 caplets/24 hours
- Maxifed G: 1-2 tabs orally every 12 hours; not to exceed 4 tabs/24 hours
- Maxifed: 1-1½ tab orally every 12 hours; not to exceed 3 tabs/24 hours
Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:
- See “Dosages”
What Other Drugs Interact with Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine?
If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.
- Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine has severe interactions with the following drug:
- dihydroergotamine
- dihydroergotamine inhaled
- dihydroergotamine intranasal
- ergoloid mesylates
- ergonovine
- ergotamine
- isocarboxazid
- linezolid
- methylergonovine
- phenelzine
- procarbazine
- rasagiline
- selegiline
- selegiline transdermal
- tranylcypromine
- Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine has serious interactions with at least 26 other drugs.
- Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine has moderate interactions with at least 73 other drugs.
- Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine has minor interactions with the following drug:
- desmopressin
This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.
What Are Warnings and Precautions for Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine?
Contraindications
- Contraindicated in documented hypersensitivity to either drug or components
- Within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy
Effects of drug abuse
- None
Short-Term Effects
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine?”
Long-Term Effects
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine?”
Cautions
- Use caution in high blood pressure, thyroid disease
- Caution in cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, prostatic hypertrophy, and increased intraocular pressure when taking pseudoephedrine
- Guaifenesin is not for administration in persistent cough associated with chronic bronchitis, smoking, asthma, or accompanied by excessive secretions
- Discontinue use if you experience dizziness, insomnia, nervousness, experience persistent headache, symptoms do not improve within 7 days or occur with a fever
Pregnancy and Lactation
- Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek the advice of a health professional before using OTC drugs