Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin for pets during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
Important note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
Other common names
- Cough Tablets for Dogs and Cats
- Mucinex DM
- Robitussin DM
Uses
This medicine can be found as a product marketed to help relieve coughing in dogs and cats, but it has not been approved by the FDA. There are also products approved by the FDA for people that a veterinarian may choose to use for animals in a way not listed on the label (extra-label).
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every pet. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any medicines or supplements your pet is using now
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before
- Any bad reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past
- What could happen if this medicine is used while your pet is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals – Dextromethorphan/Guaifenesin for pets
- This medicine is used to help manage coughing in dogs and cats.
- It can be given either with food or on an empty stomach.
- If the tablet is an extended-release type (made to release slowly over time), do not break it in half and do not crush it.
- Many different products contain dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. Use only the specific product your veterinarian tells you to use.
- Side effects that are often seen include throwing up, loose stool/diarrhea, low energy, and trouble moving normally (clumsiness or poor coordination).
- This is a combination cough medicine.
- Dextromethorphan reduces coughing.
- Guaifenesin helps loosen and move mucus so it can clear from the breathing tubes and lungs.
- It comes in several forms, including:
- tablets
- extended-release tablets
- capsules
- liquids taken by mouth
- Products that include acetaminophen must never be given to cats. Acetaminophen can kill cats.
Do not use:
- If your pet has had an allergy to this medicine
- In dogs or cats younger than 3 months
- In dogs or cats that weigh under 5 pounds
Use with caution in animals:
- That have a long-lasting cough
- That have a lot of fluid/mucus coming from the airways
- That stay unusually sleepy or show ongoing problems with coordination (for example, tiredness or clumsiness)
- That have a fever
- That have liver disease
- That have atopic dermatitis (a long-term itchy skin allergy condition)
- That are wearing an amitraz flea collar, or that are taking medicines that can change serotonin levels (for example, antidepressants or selegiline)
- Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions printed on the prescription label.
- This medicine may be given with food or without food. If your pet gets an upset stomach, giving it with food may help.
- Do not break or crush extended-release tablets.
- If you are giving a liquid, measure it with:
- an oral syringe
- a dosing cup
- a dosing spoon
- Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Low energy
- Unusually excited behavior or very high energy
- Poor coordination
Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Collapse
- Stiff muscles
Very rarely, this medicine may lead to a problem called serotonin syndrome. This means the body has too much serotonin. Possible signs include:
- stiff muscles
- muscle shaking/tremors
- inability to settle
- heavy breathing/panting or constant walking/pacing
- agitation
- large pupils
- loss of coordination
- confusion/disorientation
- or seizures
If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The chance of serotonin syndrome is higher when more than one medicine that affects serotonin is given at the same time.
How will I know it's working?
Call your veterinary clinic if your pet’s symptoms get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
Your pet should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 hours.
After the final dose, the medicine’s effect will be gone within 24 hours.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods depending on the situation. Keep giving it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
Overdose
Possible overdose signs include poor coordination, seizures, or trouble breathing. If you see an overdose happen or think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away (a consultation fee may apply):
Have the product container or label available if you can.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at normal room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine in a toilet. Do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Medication take-back locations:
- This is the best option when available.
- To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- Throwing it away at home:
- Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter.
- Put the mixture into a sealed plastic bag.
- Then place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use, and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”