Acetaminophen/Guaifenesin/Phenylephrine-containing Oral Formulation

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** An oral combination preparation containing acetaminophen, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine hydrochloride, with analgesic, antipyretic, expectorant, and decongestant activities. Upon oral administration of the acetaminophen/guaifenesin/phenylephrine-containing formulation, acetaminophen exerts analgesic and antipyretic actions by inhibiting prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. Guaifenesin increases respiratory tract mucus secretions and reduces the viscosity of mucus secretion by reducing adhesiveness and surface tension as well as increasing hydration of mucus, thereby increasing the efficiency of removing accumulated secretions from the upper and lower airways and making cough more productive. Phenylephrine, a direct-acting sympathomimetic amine, activates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa thereby causing vasoconstriction, which reduces swelling of nasal mucous membranes and decreases nasal and sinus congestion.

**Synonyms:** - Acetaminophen/Guaifenesin/Phenylephrine - Mucinex Sinus Max