DESCRIPTION
Guaifenesin (glyceryl guaiacolate) has the chemical name 3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1,2-propanediol. Its molecular formula is C10H14O4 with a molecular weight of 198.21. It is a white or slightly gray crystalline substance with a slightly bitter aromatic taste. One gram dissolves in 20 mL water at 25°C; it is freely soluble in ethanol. Guaifenesin is readily absorbed from the GI tract and is rapidly metabolized and excreted in the urine. Guaifenesin has a plasma half-life of one hour. The major urinary metabolite is b-(2-methoxyphenoxy) lactic acid.
ORGANIDIN® NR (guaifenesin) is an expectorant available for oral administration as:
Tablets — each containing 200 mg guaifenesin, USP.
Other ingredients: Corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Red No. 40, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose.
INDICATIONS
Helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus, drain bronchial tubes and make coughs more productive. Helps loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions in patients with stable chronic bronchitis.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
ORGANIDIN® NR (guaifenesin)
Tablets — Adults and children 12 years of age and older: One to 2 tablets (200 mg to 400 mg) every four hours, not to exceed 2400 mg (12 tablets) in 24 hours.
PATIENTS SHOULD BE ADVISED TO KEEP THESE AND ALL DRUGS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE OR CONTACT A POISON CONTROL CENTER IMMEDIATELY IN CASE OF ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE.
HOW SUPPLIED
ORGANIDIN® NR (guaifenesin)
Tablets — Each round, scored, rose-colored tablet contains 200 mg guaifenesin USP—available in bottles of 100 (NDC 0037-4312-01)
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F). Protect tablets from moisture. Keep bottle tightly closed.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-800-526-3840 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. Somerset, New Jersey 08873-4120. Rev. 11/09
SIDE EFFECTS
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-800-526-3840 or FDA at 1-800- FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Guaifenesin is well tolerated and has a wide margin of safety. Side effects have been generally mild and infrequent. Nausea and vomiting are the side effects that occur most commonly. Dizziness, headache, and rash (including urticaria) have been reported rarely.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Laboratory Test Interactions
Guaifenesin or its metabolites may cause color interference with the VMA (vanillylmandelic acid) test for catechols. It may also falsely elevate the level of urinary 5-HIAA (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) in certain serotonin metabolite chemical tests because of color interference.
WARNINGS
No information provided.
PRECAUTIONS
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Animal studies to assess the long-term carcinogenic and mutagenic potential or the effect on fertility in animals or humans have not been performed.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects - Pregnancy Category C
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Safe use in pregnancy has not been established relative to possible adverse effects on fetal development. Therefore, these products should not be used in pregnant patients unless, in the judgment of the physician, the potential benefits outweigh possible hazards.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether guaifenesin is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when these products are administered to a nursing woman and a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
OVERDOSE
In massive overdosage the stomach should be emptied (emesis and/or gastric lavage) and further absorption prevented. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
The acute toxicity of guaifenesin is low and overdosage is unlikely to produce serious toxic effects. In laboratory animals no toxicity resulted when guaifenesin was administered by stomach tube in doses up to 5 grams/kg.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.