Red flag to remember
Report a cough that persists beyond 7 days, recurs, or comes with high fever, rash, or persistent headache.
Key points to remember
- It loosens and thins mucus to promote a productive cough rather than suppressing it.
- Adequate hydration is essential for it to work effectively.
- It is generally well tolerated; side effects are mild, such as nausea or dizziness.
- Sustained-release tablets must be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.
- It is for short-term symptom relief, not for a chronic or persistent cough without evaluation.
Signs & symptoms
- Mild N/V, dizziness, drowsiness
Nursing priorities
- Encourage increased fluid intake to help loosen secretions.
- Assess cough effectiveness and the character/amount of sputum.
- Teach the patient to swallow extended-release forms whole.
- Advise follow-up if cough lasts longer than about a week or is accompanied by fever.
Patient teaching
- Drink plenty of water to help the medicine thin your mucus.
- This helps you cough mucus up; it does not stop the cough.
- Swallow long-acting tablets whole and see your provider if the cough lasts more than a week.
Red flags: report now
- Report a cough that persists beyond 7 days, recurs, or comes with high fever, rash, or persistent headache.
- Report difficulty breathing or worsening symptoms despite the medication.
References
Clinical references for this topic
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