Can Mucinex Be Crushed?

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Mucinex (guaifenesin) can be crushed.

Question

Can Mucinex be crushed? I am having trouble swallowing the tablets.

Asked by Evenlyn On Sep 13, 2022

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Sep 13, 2022
Last updated Mar 28, 2024

Key points

  • Brand name Mucinex (guaifenesin) products should not be crushed, as that will destroy the extended-release mechanism of the tablet.
  • Certain generic Mucinex (guaifenesin) products can be crushed, but only if they are immediate-release formulations.

Answer

Brand name Mucinex (guaifenesin) should not be crushed as the tablet is designed to be 'extended release', slowly releasing the active ingredient guaifenesin over a 12-hour period of time.

Crushing or cutting Mucinex will release the entire dose at once. This could potentially cause an increase in side effects and will shorten the duration of action considerably.

Why Brand Mucinex Cannot Be Crushed Or Split

Brand name Mucinex products (e.g. Mucinex & Mucinex DM) are available only as ER (extended-release) formulations and last about 12 hours per dose. In fact, Mucinex tablets are formulated as a 'bi-layer delivery system'.

The first layer delivers a dose of the drug immediately after administration while the second layer releases over a time period of 12 hours. This allows the product to be both quick acting and long-lasting.

Since Mucinex tablets are considered "extended-release", they should not be cut, split, or crushed. Doing so will destroy the extended-release delivery system and cause the entire dose to be delivered all at once and not over 12 hours as intended. This could potentially cause side effects such as:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • GI distress

Below is a graphic showing both layers of the Mucinex tablet.

Do Not Crush Extended Release Mucinex

Brand Mucinex is available in two strengths, regular and 'Maximum Strength'. The regular strength tablets contain 600 mg of guaifenesin while the maximum strength contains 1,200 mg of guaifenesin. Although they vary considerably in strength, both products last 12 hours.

Immediate-Release Guaifenesin Products Can Be Crushed Or Split

Although the brand name Mucinex should not be crushed, generic Mucinex products (guaifenesin) are available in both immediate release and extended-release versions. The immediate release versions will last 4 to 6 hours per dose while the extended-release versions last 12 hours per dose. The immediate release of guaifenesin can be crushed.

Mucinex Information

Mucinex contains guaifenesin as its active ingredient. It works by loosening and thinning mucus/bronchial secretions. As Mucinex reduces the thickness and viscosity of these sections, our bodies can more effectively remove them from the airways.

Oftentimes, Mucinex will change an unproductive cough to a productive one. Mucinex is a good product to use if you have a dry, unproductive cough but are having problems with chest congestion or are unable to remove airway mucus.

References

  • Guaifenesin Monograph, PubChem
  • Mucinex Manufacturer Website, Mucinex

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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