What is the adult dose of guaifenesin (Mucinex)?

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Adult Dose of Guaifenesin (Mucinex)

The standard adult dose of guaifenesin is 200-400 mg every 4 hours (up to 6 times daily, maximum 2400 mg/day) for immediate-release formulations, or 600-1200 mg every 12 hours (maximum 2400 mg/day) for extended-release formulations. 1

Immediate-Release Formulations

  • Dosing range: 200-400 mg orally every 4 hours 1
  • Maximum frequency: Up to 6 times daily 1
  • Maximum daily dose: 2400 mg 1
  • The flexible dosing range allows titration to achieve adequate plasma concentrations based on symptom severity 1
  • Multiple daily doses are required to maintain 24-hour therapeutic effect due to guaifenesin's short half-life 2

Extended-Release Formulations (Mucinex®)

  • Standard dose: 600 mg (one tablet) every 12 hours 2
  • Higher dose option: 1200 mg (two 600 mg tablets) every 12 hours for more severe symptoms 2, 3
  • Maximum daily dose: 2400 mg 2
  • Extended-release formulations provide bioequivalent steady-state exposure to immediate-release products while reducing dosing frequency 2
  • The 1200 mg dose has been specifically studied and found well-tolerated in clinical trials 3, 4

Administration Considerations

  • Food effects: Extended-release guaifenesin can be taken with or without food, though taking with food delays time to maximum concentration (Tmax) without affecting overall exposure 2
  • Duration: Typically used for 7 days for acute upper respiratory tract infections 3, 4
  • Tablet integrity: Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole to maintain the controlled-release mechanism 2

Clinical Context

  • Guaifenesin is indicated for relief of wet cough and chest congestion due to common cold and stable chronic bronchitis 1
  • The drug acts as an expectorant by loosening mucus in airways and making coughs more productive 1
  • Extended-release formulations offer convenience and improved compliance compared to immediate-release products requiring dosing every 4 hours 2

Safety Profile

  • Guaifenesin has a well-established favorable safety profile in adults 1, 3
  • In a post-marketing surveillance study of 552 adults taking 1200 mg every 12 hours for 7 days, all adverse events were mild in severity with no serious adverse events or deaths 3
  • Most common adverse events include gastrointestinal symptoms, which are generally mild 3

References

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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