Dosing & Uses
ADULT and PEDIATRIC
Cough
6 months to 2 years: 25-50 mg q4hr; not to exceed 300 mg/day
2-6 years: 50-100 mg PO q4hr; not to exceed 600 mg/day
6-12 years: 100-200 mg PO q4hr; not to exceed 1.2 g/day
>12 years
- 100-400 mg PO q4hr; not to exceed 2.4 g/day, OR
- 1-2 extended-release tablets (600-1200 mg) PO q12hr; not to exceed 4 tablets/24 hr (2.4 g/day)
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Decreased uric acid levels
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Rash
Postmarketing Reports
Kidney stone formation
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Often comes in combos; check brand name/other constituents
Some products may contain phenylalanine
When using as self-medication in chronic or persistent coughs, notify health-care practitioner if no improvement within 7 days
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Reduces viscosity of secretions by increasing amount of respiratory tract fluid and irritates gastric mucosa
Absorption
Onset: 30 min
Duration: 4-6 hr
Metabolism
Liver
Metabolite: b-(2-methoxyphenoxy) lactic acid
Elimination
Half-life: 1 hr
Excretion: Urine