Drug Mechanism of action/Side Indication/ Nursing responsibilities

effects Contraindication

Brand name: Action Indication Nursing considerations

Stimulates respiratory tract secretions Baseline assessment:
guaiFENesin by decreasing adhesiveness, viscosity Obtain baseline vital signs, serum
Contraindication chemistries.
of mucus. Measure pulse, B/P prior to initiation of
Generic name: Therapeutic Effect: Promotes removal
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity therapy, following dose increases, and
of viscous mucus. periodically during therapy.
to guaiFENesin.
Mucinex Intervention/evaluation Assist with
Cautions: Avoid OTC use in children
Side Effects ambulation if sedation, dizziness, fatigue,
younger than 2 yrs.
Classification: lethargy occur. Be alert to mood changes.
Abrupt discontinuation may produce Assess for nausea, headache. Monitor B/P,
serum chemistries, particularly renal/hepatic
PHARMACOTHERAPEUTIC: infrequent, transient elevations in B/P function for change from baseline. Monitor
above original baseline (taper dose in daily pattern of bowel activity, stool
Respiratory expectorant. decrements of no more than 1 mg consistency.
Patient/family teaching
every 3– 7 days). Abrupt withdrawal • Avoid tasks that require alertness, motor
CLINICAL: Expectorant.
following prolonged administration of skills until response to drug is established. •
high dosage may produce extreme Avoid alcohol.
Route: • Dry mouth may be relieved with sugarless
fatigue (may last for wks). Prolonged gum, sips of water.
Dosage: 300 mg/dose administration to children may • Advise pts to avoid becoming dehydrated,
produce suppression of weight and/or overheated.
Frequency: q4 • Do not substitute for immediate-release
height patterns. AV block, bradycardia, guanFACINE tablets.
arrhythmias occur rarely. • Swallow extended-release tablets whole; do
not chew, crush, dissolve, or divide.
• Do not take with high-fat meal.