It is important that all directions for taking Mucinex found on the bottle label be used to determine dosing. You are to inform your physician of your entire medical history including concurrent medical conditions, medications you’re taking, and any medication allergies.
How Effective is Mucinex?
Mucinex effectively loosens throat and chest congestion and is classified as an expectorant. Mucinex eases the spasms associated with coughing.
Mucinex is commonly used to effectively treat chest congestion as a result of a cold, infection, or allergy.
Prior To Taking Mucinex
If you are allergic to it you should not take Mucinex.
Your physician will determine if it is safe for you to take Mucinex depending on your current medical history.
The safety of Mucinex on an unborn infant taken during pregnancy has not been determined. If you are pregnant, it is important that you meet with your physician to determine whether or not it is safe to take Mucinex.
The possibility of Mucinex mixing with breast milk and its possible harm to a nursing infant has not been determined. It is important you obtain approval from your physician if you are breastfeeding.
Mucinex should not be given to children without the approval of your child’s pediatrician.
How to Take Mucinex?
Follow dosing information on the bottle label or as adjusted by your physician. It is important not to use Mucinex at a stronger dose or for a long period without the approval of your physician. Expect a short delay before it has an effect on your symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve within a short period of time, return to your physician for further recommendations.
Mucinex has been shown to cause stomach upset that may be remedied by eating food when taking a dose of this medication.
In most cases, a syringe is provided to measure the recommended dose, but can be administered using a medication cup or a dosing spoon. These dosing administration tools can be obtained from your pharmacy.
It is important to increase your fluid intake while taking Mucinex to reduce the congestion and provide adequate throat lubrication.
You should store Mucinex at a normal temperature and not expose it to light, moisture, or heat.
What is the Recommended Dosage of Mucinex?
Treatment for Cough – Regular Adult Dosage
Mucinex Immediate Release:
Take either one or two dosages of Mucinex by mouth not to exceed every four hours (no more than a 2.4 gram daily dose).
Mucinex Sustained Release:
Take either one or two dosages of Mucinex by mouth in the morning and at bedtime (every 12 hours). Again, it is important not to take more than 2.5 grams in a single day.
Treatment for Cough – Regular Pediatric Dosage
Mucinex Immediate Release:
If the child is less than 2 years old, he/she should receive no more than 12 mg/kg per day of Mucinex by mouth six times per day.
For children between 2 and 5 years of age, the child should be given no more than 100 mg of Mucinex by mouth every four hours as needed for symptoms, less than 600 mg per day.
For children between 6 and 11 years of age, the child should be given no more than 200 mg by mouth every four hours as needed for symptoms, less than 1.2 grams per day.
For children 12 years of age or older, the child should be given no more than 400 mg of Mucinex by mouth every four hours as needed for symptoms, less than 2.4 grams per day.
Mucinex Sustained Release:
If the child is 2 to 5 years of age, the child should be given no more than 300 mg of Mucinex by mouth in the morning and at bedtime, less than 600 mg per day.
If the child is 6 to 11 years of age, they should be given no more than 600 mg of Mucinex by mouth in the morning and at bedtime, no more than 1.2 grams per day.
If the child is 12 years of age or older, they should receive no more than 1200 mg of Mucinex in the morning and at bedtime, less than 2.4 grams per day.
What are the Side Effects of Mucinex?
If there are symptoms or signs of an allergic response to taking Mucinex, emergency medical treatment is needed. These severe allergic reactions may include:
- Hives.
- Swelling of the face, throat, lips, or tongue.
- Difficulty breathing.
Other more common side effects of mucinex may include:
What Happens if a Dosage is Missed?
Since most of these medications are designed to take as needed for symptoms, you may not adhere to a strict dosing schedule. If you are in a regular habit of taking Mucinex in scheduled doses and miss a dose, simply take Mucinex when you remember to and get back on your regular schedule not taking the missed dosage close to your next scheduled dose. It is not recommended to take an extra dose just because you missed one.
What happens if there is Over Dosage?
Seek emergency medical assistance or call Poison Control at (800) 222-1222.
What should be avoided while taking this medicine?
Mucinex may have an impact on your reaction time or thought processes. Avoid driving as much as possible. Avoid activities where you need to be especially alert.
Contact your physician or pharmacist before you start another medication for these same symptoms as many medications contain the same ingredients at Mucinex. Taking these medications while taking Mucinex may negatively affect the impact of the medication. If you take other expectorants while taking Mucinex, you could be getting too much of a particular drug combination. Check the label on any new expectorant and seek medical advice before taking it.
