ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE: Medication guaifenesin (Mucinex) MEDICATION __________________________________________________________________________ REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________ Expectorant CATEGORY CLASS ______________________________________________________________________ PURPOSE OF MEDICATION Expected Pharmacological Action Therapeutic Use Guaifenesin promotes increased cough production by increasing and thinning mucous secretions. These actions allow clients to decrease chest congestion by coughing out secretions. Although guaifenesin is available as an expectorant alone, it is often combined with antitussives (either opioid or nonopioid) or a decongestant for treating manifestations of colds, allergic or nonallergic rhinitis, or for cough caused by lower respiratory disorders. Complications Medication Administration -GI upset -Drowsiness, dizziness -Allergic reaction (rash) PO Contraindications/Precautions -Pregnancy risk category C -Advise clients who are breastfeeding to talk to the provider before taking medications contaning guaifenesin. -Depending on the formulation and medication combinations, preparations containing guaifenesin might be contraindicated in children. Nursing Interventions N/A Interactions None Client Education Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness -Cough is more productive and mucous is easier to expectorate. -Chest congestion is decreased -Advise clients to increase fluid intake when taking guaifenesin, in order to promote liquefying secretions. -Report a cough lasting longer than 1 week to the provider