11 to Know, for Children, and More

Mucinex can cause mild to moderate side effects in some people. This can include digestive symptoms, dizziness, and drowsiness.

If mucus sits in your airways, bacteria can collect and grow there as well. That bacteria can lead to infection.

If you need help breaking up the mucus in your chest, you might consider a type of medication known as an expectorant.

Expectorants are used to treat chest congestion and cough. They help relieve chest congestion by breaking up mucus that’s stuck in your airways so you can cough it up.

The drug guaifenesin is currently the only expectorant that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for over-the-counter (OTC) use. It’s found in many popular products, including Mucinex.

Guaifenesin is safe and well-tolerated. It’s quite possible that you can take it or Mucinex and have no side effects. In fact, most people do not. Still, they can cause side effects in some people.

There are multiple versions of Mucinex.

The products that contain guaifenesin are available as a liquid, a tablet, or granules. Products with DM in their names also include small amounts of the ingredient dextromethorphan, which helps suppress cough.

Mucinex products with guaifenesin as their main active ingredient are:

• Children’s Cough Mini-Melts – Orange Creme Flavor
• Children’s FreeFrom Cough & Mucus
• Children’s Multi-Symptom Cold – Very Berry Flavor
• DM Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets
• Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets
• Maximum Strength DM Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets
• Maximum Strength Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets
• Maximum Strength Fast-Max Chest Congestion Honey & Berry Flavor
• Maximum Strength Fast-Max DM MAX
• Maximum Strength Fast-Max DM MAX Honey & Berry Flavor
• Maximum Strength Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cough

Most other versions of Mucinex also contain guaifenesin but have acetaminophen as their main active ingredient.

The side effects that people can experience with Mucinex are usually mild to moderate. Some of the common side effects typically affect three different systems of the body.

The digestive system

Mucinex may cause the following digestive issues:

• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

The nervous system

Mucinex may also cause:

• dizziness
• headache
• drowsiness

The integumentary system (skin)

Mucinex can sometimes lead to a rash or hives.

Generally, if you use guaifenesin or Mucinex as directed, you should not have serious side effects. However, overuse or misuse can cause problems.

Taking a dosage that’s too high may increase your risk of:

• dizziness
• headache
• severe gastrointestinal issues
• kidney stones

Only people who are at least 12 years old should take Mucinex tablets. The FDA has not approved them for use in children younger than that.

However, children as young as 4 years old can use liquid Mucinex or Mucinex Mini-Melts. Mini-Melts are granules that you sprinkle on the tongue. These products are specifically marked for children on the packaging.

If your child is younger than 4 years old, speak with their doctor about the best way to treat their cough. Side effects of Mucinex in children are generally the same as they are in adults.

Overall, if you use Mucinex as directed, you probably will not have side effects. If you do have any, they’re usually mild.

There are some things you can do to help ease any bothersome side effects. For example, if Mucinex upsets your stomach, try taking it with food or a glass of milk.

Only use Mucinex for cough and chest congestion from mucus buildup. If you have another type of cough or are unsure what’s causing your cough, speak with a doctor before using Mucinex.

Also, check with a doctor before using Mucinex if you take other medications or have other medical conditions. They can help you avoid potentially harmful drug interactions.

11 to Know, for Children, and More

Mucinex can cause mild to moderate side effects in some people. This can include digestive symptoms, dizziness, and drowsiness.

If mucus sits in your airways, bacteria can collect and grow there as well. That bacteria can lead to infection.

If you need help breaking up the mucus in your chest, you might consider a type of medication known as an expectorant.

Expectorants are used to treat chest congestion and cough. They help relieve chest congestion by breaking up mucus that’s stuck in your airways so you can cough it up.

The drug guaifenesin is currently the only expectorant that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for over-the-counter (OTC) use. It’s found in many popular products, including Mucinex.

Guaifenesin is safe and well-tolerated. It’s quite possible that you can take it or Mucinex and have no side effects. In fact, most people do not. Still, they can cause side effects in some people.

There are multiple versions of Mucinex.

The products that contain guaifenesin are available as a liquid, a tablet, or granules. Products with DM in their names also include small amounts of the ingredient dextromethorphan, which helps suppress cough.

Mucinex products with guaifenesin as their main active ingredient are:

• Children’s Cough Mini-Melts – Orange Creme Flavor
• Children’s FreeFrom Cough & Mucus
• Children’s Multi-Symptom Cold – Very Berry Flavor
• DM Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets
• Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets
• Maximum Strength DM Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets
• Maximum Strength Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets
• Maximum Strength Fast-Max Chest Congestion Honey & Berry Flavor
• Maximum Strength Fast-Max DM MAX
• Maximum Strength Fast-Max DM MAX Honey & Berry Flavor
• Maximum Strength Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cough

Most other versions of Mucinex also contain guaifenesin but have acetaminophen as their main active ingredient.

The side effects that people can experience with Mucinex are usually mild to moderate. Some of the common side effects typically affect three different systems of the body.

The digestive system

Mucinex may cause the following digestive issues:

• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

The nervous system

Mucinex may also cause:

• dizziness
• headache
• drowsiness

The integumentary system (skin)

Mucinex can sometimes lead to a rash or hives.

Generally, if you use guaifenesin or Mucinex as directed, you should not have serious side effects. However, overuse or misuse can cause problems.

Taking a dosage that’s too high may increase your risk of:

• dizziness
• headache
• severe gastrointestinal issues
• kidney stones

Only people who are at least 12 years old should take Mucinex tablets. The FDA has not approved them for use in children younger than that.

However, children as young as 4 years old can use liquid Mucinex or Mucinex Mini-Melts. Mini-Melts are granules that you sprinkle on the tongue. These products are specifically marked for children on the packaging.

If your child is younger than 4 years old, speak with their doctor about the best way to treat their cough. Side effects of Mucinex in children are generally the same as they are in adults.

Overall, if you use Mucinex as directed, you probably will not have side effects. If you do have any, they’re usually mild.

There are some things you can do to help ease any bothersome side effects. For example, if Mucinex upsets your stomach, try taking it with food or a glass of milk.

Only use Mucinex for cough and chest congestion from mucus buildup. If you have another type of cough or are unsure what’s causing your cough, speak with a doctor before using Mucinex.

Also, check with a doctor before using Mucinex if you take other medications or have other medical conditions. They can help you avoid potentially harmful drug interactions.

Mukoneks – instructions for use, doses, side effects, reviews of the drug:

Liquefies sputum, increases its volume, facilitates sputum separation. The action is associated with the ability of free sulfhydryl groups of acetylcysteine ​​to break intra- and intermolecular disulfide bonds of sputum acid mucopolysaccharides, which leads to depolymerization of mucoproteins and a decrease in sputum viscosity (in some cases this leads to a significant increase in sputum volume, which requires aspiration of bronchial contents). Retains activity in purulent sputum. Does not affect immunity. Increases the secretion of less viscous sialomucins by goblet cells, reduces the adhesion of bacteria to the epithelial cells of the bronchial mucosa. Stimulates the mucous cells of the bronchi, the secret of which lyses fibrin. It has a similar effect on the secret formed during inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs. It has an antioxidant effect due to the presence of the SH-group, which is able to neutralize electrophilic oxidizing factors. Protects alpha ₁ – antitrypsin (elastase inhibitor) from the inactivating effect of HOCl-oxidant produced by active phagocytes myeloperoxidase. It also has some anti-inflammatory action (due to the suppression of the formation of free radicals and active oxygen-containing substances responsible for the development of inflammation in the lung tissue).

Contraindicated in pregnancy. At the time of treatment should stop breastfeeding.

Nausea, vomiting, stomach fullness,
nosebleeds, urticaria, tinnitus, drowsiness, fever. Rarely – dyspepsia (including heartburn). With aerosol therapy: reflex cough,
irritation of the respiratory tract, rhinorrhea; rarely – stomatitis. With i / m administration – burning at the injection site; with long-term treatment – impaired liver and / or kidney function.

When treating patients with diabetes, it is necessary
note that the granulate contains sucrose. When working with the drug
it is necessary to use glassware, avoid contact with metals,
rubber, oxygen, easily oxidizing substances. In patients with broncho-obstructive syndrome, it must be combined with bronchodilators.

Form:

Granules for oral solution
inside, granules for syrup, granules for suspension
for oral administration, solution for intravenous administration, solution for
intramuscular injection and topical application, solution
for

Pharmacological action:

Mucolytic agent, thins sputum,
increases its volume, facilitates the separation of sputum. action associated with
the ability of free sulfhydryl groups of acetylcysteine ​​to break intra- and
intermolecular disulfide bonds of sputum acid mucopolysaccharides, which
leads to depolymerization of mucoproteins and a decrease in sputum viscosity (in a number
cases, this leads to a significant increase in sputum volume, which requires
aspiration of bronchial contents). Retains activity in purulent sputum. Not
affects the immune system. Increases the secretion of less viscous sialomucins
goblet cells, reduces bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells
bronchial mucosa. Stimulates the mucous cells of the bronchi, the secret of which
lyses fibrin. It has a similar effect on the secret formed during
inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Has an antioxidant effect
due to the presence of an SH group capable of neutralizing electrophilic
oxidative toxins. Protects alpha1-antitrypsin (an elastase inhibitor) from
inactivating effect of HOCl, an oxidizing agent produced by myeloperoxidase
active phagocytes. It also has some anti-inflammatory action (for
by suppressing the formation of free radicals and active oxygen-containing
substances responsible for the development of inflammation in the lung
fabrics).

Indications:

Violation of sputum discharge: bronchitis, tracheitis,
bronchiolitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, lung abscess,
emphysema, laryngotracheitis, bronchial asthma, lung atelectasis
(due to blockage of the bronchi by a mucous plug). Catarrhal and purulent otitis,
sinusitis, sinusitis (facilitation of secretion discharge). Removal of viscous secretion from
respiratory tract in post-traumatic and postoperative conditions.
Preparation for bronchoscopy, bronchography, aspiration drainage. For
washing abscesses, nasal passages, maxillary sinuses, middle ear; processing
fistulas, surgical field during operations on the nasal cavity and mastoid
process.

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, period
lactation. With caution. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum (in
acute phase), varicose veins of the esophagus, hemoptysis, pulmonary
bleeding, phenylketonuria (for forms containing aspartame), bronchial asthma
(with intravenous administration, the risk of developing bronchospasm), diseases of the adrenal glands,
hepatic and / or renal failure, arterial
hypertension.

Side effects:

Nausea, vomiting, stomach fullness,
nosebleeds, urticaria, tinnitus, drowsiness, fever. Rarely –
dyspepsia (including heartburn). With aerosol therapy: reflex cough,
irritation of the respiratory tract, rhinorrhea; rarely – stomatitis. With the / m introduction –
burning at the injection site; with long-term treatment – impaired liver function and / or
kidneys.

Dosage and administration:

Inside. Adults – 200 mg 2-3 times a day
in the form of granules, tablets or capsules. Children 2-6 years old – 200 mg 2 times a day
or 100 mg 3 times a day as a water-soluble granulate; under 2 years – 100
mg 2 times a day; 6-14 years – 200 mg 2 times a day. For chronic diseases
within a few weeks: adults – 400-600 mg / day in 1-2 doses; children 2-14
years – 100 mg 3 times a day; with cystic fibrosis – children from 10 days to 2 years – 50
mg 3 times a day, 2-6 years – 100 mg 4 times a day, over 6 years – 200 mg 3 times
per day in the form of a water-soluble granulate, effervescent tablet or capsule.
Inhalation. For aerosol therapy in ultrasound devices, 20 ml of a 10% solution is sprayed
or 2-5 ml of a 20% solution, in devices with a distribution valve – 6 ml of 10%
solution. Duration of inhalation – 15-20 minutes; multiplicity – 2-4 times a day.
In the treatment of acute conditions, the average duration of therapy is 5-10 days; at
long-term therapy of chronic conditions, the course of treatment is up to 6 months. When
strong secretolytic action, the secret is sucked off, and the frequency of inhalations and
reduce the daily dose. Intratracheal. For washing the bronchial tree
for therapeutic bronchoscopy, a 5-10% solution is used. locally. Buried in
external auditory canal and nasal passages 150-300 mg (for 1 procedure).
Parenterally. Administered in / in (preferably drip or slow jet – in
for 5 minutes) or in / m. Adults – 300 mg 1-2 times a day. Children from 6 to 14
years – 150 mg 1-2 times a day. Preferred for children under 6
oral administration, children under the age of 1 year in / in the introduction of acetylcysteine
possible only for health reasons in a hospital setting. In that case
if there are still indications for parenteral therapy, daytime
the dose for children under 6 years of age should be 10 mg/kg body weight. For
in / in the introduction of the solution is further diluted 0.9% NaCl solution or 5%
dextrose solution in a ratio of 1:1. The duration of therapy is determined
individually (no more than 10 days). In patients over 65 years of age, use
minimum effective dose.

Special instructions:

note that the granulate contains sucrose. When working with the drug
it is necessary to use glassware, avoid contact with metals,
rubber, oxygen, easily oxidizing substances. With a shallow intramuscular injection
drug and in the presence of hypersensitivity, a slight and
a quickly passing burning sensation, and therefore it is recommended to inject the drug deep into
muscle. In patients with broncho-obstructive syndrome, it is necessary to combine with
bronchodilators.

Description of the drug Muconex is not intended for prescription treatment without
physician participation.

Mukoneks – instructions for use, doses, side effects, reviews of the drug:

Liquefies sputum, increases its volume, facilitates sputum separation. The action is associated with the ability of free sulfhydryl groups of acetylcysteine ​​to break intra- and intermolecular disulfide bonds of sputum acid mucopolysaccharides, which leads to depolymerization of mucoproteins and a decrease in sputum viscosity (in some cases this leads to a significant increase in sputum volume, which requires aspiration of bronchial contents). Retains activity in purulent sputum. Does not affect immunity. Increases the secretion of less viscous sialomucins by goblet cells, reduces the adhesion of bacteria to the epithelial cells of the bronchial mucosa. Stimulates the mucous cells of the bronchi, the secret of which lyses fibrin. It has a similar effect on the secret formed during inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs. It has an antioxidant effect due to the presence of the SH-group, which is able to neutralize electrophilic oxidizing factors. Protects alpha ₁ – antitrypsin (elastase inhibitor) from the inactivating effect of HOCl-oxidant produced by active phagocytes myeloperoxidase. It also has some anti-inflammatory action (due to the suppression of the formation of free radicals and active oxygen-containing substances responsible for the development of inflammation in the lung tissue).

Contraindicated in pregnancy. At the time of treatment should stop breastfeeding.

Nausea, vomiting, stomach fullness,
nosebleeds, urticaria, tinnitus, drowsiness, fever. Rarely – dyspepsia (including heartburn). With aerosol therapy: reflex cough,
irritation of the respiratory tract, rhinorrhea; rarely – stomatitis. With i / m administration – burning at the injection site; with long-term treatment – impaired liver and / or kidney function.

When treating patients with diabetes, it is necessary
note that the granulate contains sucrose. When working with the drug
it is necessary to use glassware, avoid contact with metals,
rubber, oxygen, easily oxidizing substances. In patients with broncho-obstructive syndrome, it must be combined with bronchodilators.

Form:

Granules for oral solution
inside, granules for syrup, granules for suspension
for oral administration, solution for intravenous administration, solution for
intramuscular injection and topical application, solution
for

Pharmacological action:

Mucolytic agent, thins sputum,
increases its volume, facilitates the separation of sputum. action associated with
the ability of free sulfhydryl groups of acetylcysteine ​​to break intra- and
intermolecular disulfide bonds of sputum acid mucopolysaccharides, which
leads to depolymerization of mucoproteins and a decrease in sputum viscosity (in a number
cases, this leads to a significant increase in sputum volume, which requires
aspiration of bronchial contents). Retains activity in purulent sputum. Not
affects the immune system. Increases the secretion of less viscous sialomucins
goblet cells, reduces bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells
bronchial mucosa. Stimulates the mucous cells of the bronchi, the secret of which
lyses fibrin. It has a similar effect on the secret formed during
inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Has an antioxidant effect
due to the presence of an SH group capable of neutralizing electrophilic
oxidative toxins. Protects alpha1-antitrypsin (an elastase inhibitor) from
inactivating effect of HOCl, an oxidizing agent produced by myeloperoxidase
active phagocytes. It also has some anti-inflammatory action (for
by suppressing the formation of free radicals and active oxygen-containing
substances responsible for the development of inflammation in the lung
fabrics).

Indications:

Violation of sputum discharge: bronchitis, tracheitis,
bronchiolitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, lung abscess,
emphysema, laryngotracheitis, bronchial asthma, lung atelectasis
(due to blockage of the bronchi by a mucous plug). Catarrhal and purulent otitis,
sinusitis, sinusitis (facilitation of secretion discharge). Removal of viscous secretion from
respiratory tract in post-traumatic and postoperative conditions.
Preparation for bronchoscopy, bronchography, aspiration drainage. For
washing abscesses, nasal passages, maxillary sinuses, middle ear; processing
fistulas, surgical field during operations on the nasal cavity and mastoid
process.

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity, pregnancy, period
lactation. With caution. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum (in
acute phase), varicose veins of the esophagus, hemoptysis, pulmonary
bleeding, phenylketonuria (for forms containing aspartame), bronchial asthma
(with intravenous administration, the risk of developing bronchospasm), diseases of the adrenal glands,
hepatic and / or renal failure, arterial
hypertension.

Side effects:

Nausea, vomiting, stomach fullness,
nosebleeds, urticaria, tinnitus, drowsiness, fever. Rarely –
dyspepsia (including heartburn). With aerosol therapy: reflex cough,
irritation of the respiratory tract, rhinorrhea; rarely – stomatitis. With the / m introduction –
burning at the injection site; with long-term treatment – impaired liver function and / or
kidneys.

Dosage and administration:

Inside. Adults – 200 mg 2-3 times a day
in the form of granules, tablets or capsules. Children 2-6 years old – 200 mg 2 times a day
or 100 mg 3 times a day as a water-soluble granulate; under 2 years – 100
mg 2 times a day; 6-14 years – 200 mg 2 times a day. For chronic diseases
within a few weeks: adults – 400-600 mg / day in 1-2 doses; children 2-14
years – 100 mg 3 times a day; with cystic fibrosis – children from 10 days to 2 years – 50
mg 3 times a day, 2-6 years – 100 mg 4 times a day, over 6 years – 200 mg 3 times
per day in the form of a water-soluble granulate, effervescent tablet or capsule.
Inhalation. For aerosol therapy in ultrasound devices, 20 ml of a 10% solution is sprayed
or 2-5 ml of a 20% solution, in devices with a distribution valve – 6 ml of 10%
solution. Duration of inhalation – 15-20 minutes; multiplicity – 2-4 times a day.
In the treatment of acute conditions, the average duration of therapy is 5-10 days; at
long-term therapy of chronic conditions, the course of treatment is up to 6 months. When
strong secretolytic action, the secret is sucked off, and the frequency of inhalations and
reduce the daily dose. Intratracheal. For washing the bronchial tree
for therapeutic bronchoscopy, a 5-10% solution is used. locally. Buried in
external auditory canal and nasal passages 150-300 mg (for 1 procedure).
Parenterally. Administered in / in (preferably drip or slow jet – in
for 5 minutes) or in / m. Adults – 300 mg 1-2 times a day. Children from 6 to 14
years – 150 mg 1-2 times a day. Preferred for children under 6
oral administration, children under the age of 1 year in / in the introduction of acetylcysteine
possible only for health reasons in a hospital setting. In that case
if there are still indications for parenteral therapy, daytime
the dose for children under 6 years of age should be 10 mg/kg body weight. For
in / in the introduction of the solution is further diluted 0.9% NaCl solution or 5%
dextrose solution in a ratio of 1:1. The duration of therapy is determined
individually (no more than 10 days).