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Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine: Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings

Guaifenesin-Pseudoephedrine

Reviewed on 2/6/2023

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

Pregnancy and Lactation

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek the advice of a health professional before using OTC drugs
References
https://reference.medscape.com/drug/mucinex-d-guaifenex-pse-guaifenesin-pseudoephedrine-999406#6