Skip to content

Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin

    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

    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

    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

    Documented hypersensitivity to either drug or components

    Within 14 days of taking MAO inhibitor

    • Dizziness
    • Drowsiness
    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting

    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

    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

    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.

    Adults

    Dextromethorphan 120 mg/day PO; guaifenesin 2.4 grams/day PO.

    Geriatric

    Dextromethorphan 120 mg/day PO; guaifenesin 2.4 grams/day PO.

    Adolescents

    Dextromethorphan 120 mg/day PO; guaifenesin 2.4 grams/day PO.

    Children

    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.

    Infants

    Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    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