provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

Aquanaz

dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine
Used for Cough
Used for Cough

Deconex DMX is a combination of three medications: dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), guaifenesin (an expectorant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). It's used for cough and congestion and available over-the-counter as tablets and a liquid.

Last reviewed on February 18, 2022
basics-icon

What is Deconex DMX?

What is Deconex DMX used for?

  • Loosen phlegm (mucus) in the lungs to make it easier to cough up

  • Short-term relief of cough and stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

How Deconex DMX works

Deconex DMX is a combination of three medications that work together to relieve symptoms caused by throat irritation and the common cold.

  • Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works in the brain to lower your urge to cough.

  • Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It thins and loosens mucus that's stuck in your lungs, making it easier to cough it up.

  • Phenylephrine is a decongestant that clears your sinuses to relieve sinus pressure.

Are you looking for information on Capmist DM (dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAquanaz, Deconex DMX, Vanacof DM, Children's Mucinex Congestion and Cough, Children's Robitussin Cough and Cold CF
Drug ClassCough suppressant / Expectorant / Decongestant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$17.02(save 25.76%)
GoodRx discount
$12.64
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Deconex DMX?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Headache

Other Side Effects

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Feeling restless
  • Changes in blood pressure (up or down)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, skin reddening
  • Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, confusion
  • Signs of an overdose: seizures, heart rhythm problems, hallucinations, loss of consciousness

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  • Increase in blood pressure

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Anxiety, nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Trouble sleeping
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Deconex DMX

thumbs-up

Pros

More convenient to take a product that's a combination of three medications

Some liquids are available without sugar for people with diabetes and children

Available over the counter

Available as tablets and liquid

thumbs-down

Cons

More difficult to customize the dose since Deconex DMX is a combination of three medications

Several brands or manufacturers available with different age cut-offs for children, which raises the risk for accidental overdose

Needs to be taken every 4 to 6 hours

The amount of liquid per dose can be high (up to 20 mL for some brands)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Deconex DMX

pharmacist
  • For the liquid forms, use a medication dose cup or a syringe to measure your dose of Deconex DMX. Don't use household spoons because they are not accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.

    • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Deconex DMX. This raises your risk of sleepiness and dizziness. Don't drive until you know how this medication affects you.

      • Stop using Deconex DMX and contact your provider if you experience any of the following: 1) nervousness, dizziness, or trouble sleeping; 2) cough or congestion lasting longer than 1 week, keeps coming back, or is present with a fever, rash, or headache; or 3) any other new symptoms that appear. These might be signs of another underlying medical condition.

        • Don't start any new medications while taking Deconex DMX, especially other cough suppressants, products with guaifenesin, or decongestants, without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of overdose and severe side effects, including seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), high blood pressure and heart rate, or even death.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Deconex DMX

          How do I know if Deconex DMX is safe for me to take?
          Deconex DMX is generally safe to take, but it's not the best choice for everyone. If you have a cough that has lasted for a long time or occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, a cough that occurs with too much mucus, or certain health conditions (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, trouble urinating), ask your provider if Deconex DMX is safe for you to use.
          Can I use Deconex DMX only when I need it?
          Yes, you can use Deconex DMX on an as-needed basis for cough and nasal congestion. Use the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time to lower your risk of side effects.
          Can I use Deconex DMX if I'm pregnant?
          There's not enough information to say if Deconex DMX is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, don't use Deconex DMX until you've talked to your provider first about the risks and benefits of taking the medication.
          What's the difference between Deconex DMX and Capmist DM (dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)?
          The main difference between Deconex DMX and Capmist DM is the decongestant that the medication contains. Deconex DMX contains phenylephrine, while Capmist DM contains pseudoephedrine. In general, while both medications are used for congestion, pseudoephedrine tends to work better than phenylephrine for some people. Read this article for more information on the differences between pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.
          Why can't some children use Deconex DMX?
          Children who don't meet the age cut-offs for Deconex DMX can't use it because the dosage is too high for them. This raises the risk for overdose and side effects. Before giving a child Deconex DMX, check the age cut-off on the medication box and bottle to make sure it's safe. If your child is having cough or congestion symptoms and can't use Deconex DMX, ask your child's provider or pharmacist for other options.
          GoodRxEducationalIcon

          How to save using GoodRx

          Compare Prices
          1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
          Select your free coupon
          2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
          Show coupon to your pharmacist
          3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
          Get free couponLearn more
          warings-icon

          What are the risks and warnings for Deconex DMX?

          Deconex DMX can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Serotonin syndrome

          • Risk factors: Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) 14 days before starting Deconex DMX | Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in your brain

            Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition where there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood. Your risk for this condition goes up if you use Deconex DMX with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as SSRIs (e.g., sertraline (Zoloft)), SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine (Cymbalta)), MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine (Nardil)), lithium, and triptans (e.g., sumatriptan (Imitrex)). Make sure your provider knows about all the medications you take (including over-the-counter medications and supplements) before starting Deconex DMX so they can make sure this medication is safe for you to take. Don't start any new medications while taking Deconex DMX without letting your pharmacist or provider know. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, and confusion. Seek medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

            risk-warning

            Accidental overdose

            Deconex DMX contains a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), an expectorant (guaifenesin), and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine), which are all in many other over-the-counter products. Using more than one medication containing a cough suppressant, expectorant, and a decongestant can lead to an accidental overdose and cause serious side effects, including high blood pressure or heart rate, dizziness, seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), or even death. Tell your provider or pharmacist about the medications you take before starting Deconex DMX to make sure it's safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking Deconex DMX without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

            To prevent an accidental overdose, read the medication box and package labels carefully. There are several manufacturers that make Deconex DMX, which might have different amounts of the three main ingredients with different age cut-offs for children who can safely use the medication. If you're not sure if a product has any similar ingredients or if the product is safe for your child, ask your pharmacist.

            If you or your loved one experiences an accidental overdose, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

            risk-warning

            Worsening of medical conditions

            • Risk factors: Cough from smoking, asthma, or emphysema | Mucus-producing cough | Heart disease or high blood pressure | Thyroid disease | High blood sugar (diabetes) | Urinary problems

              Don't take Deconex DMX if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it's safe to do so. Taking Deconex DMX can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting Deconex DMX.

              dosage

              Deconex DMX dosage forms

              The average cost for 30 tablets of 15mg/400mg/10mg of Deconex DMX is $12.64 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 25.76% off the average retail price of $17.02.
              tablet
              Tablet
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              15mg/400mg/10mg30 tablets$12.64$0.42

              Typical dosing for Deconex DMX

              There are several manufacturers of this medication with different concentrations (amount of Deconex DMX per milliliter (mL) of liquid) and pill strengths. The dose might slightly differ depending on which manufacturer of the medication you have. Be sure to check the medication box for specific instructions.

              Below are a few examples of product names with their dosing instructions.

              Tablets

              Aquanaz:

              • Each tablet contains 15 mg of dextromethorphan, 400 mg of guaifenesin, and 10 mg of phenylephrine.

              • Adults and children age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. Don't use more than 4 tablets in a 24-hour period.

              • Children age 6 years to under 12 years: The typical dose is 1/2 (one-half) tablet by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. Don't use more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.

              • Children under 6 years: Ask your child's provider.

              Deconex DMX:

              • Each tablet contains 17.5 mg of dextromethorphan, 400 mg of guaifenesin, and 10 mg of phenylephrine.

              • Adults and children age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth every 4 hours. Don't use more than 6 tablets in a 24-hour period.

              • Children age 6 years to under 12 years: The typical dose is 1/2 (one-half) tablet by mouth every 4 hours. Don't use more than 3 tablets in a 24-hour period.

              • Children under 6 years: Ask your child's provider.

              Liquid

              Vanocof DM:

              • Each 15 mL contains 18 mg of dextromethorphan, 200 mg of guaifenesin, and 10 mg of phenylephrine.

              • Adults and children age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 tablespoonful (15 mL) by mouth every 4 hours. Don't use more than 6 tablespoonfuls (90 mL) in a 24-hour period.

              • Children age 6 years to under 12 years: The typical dose is 1/2 (one-half) tablespoonful (7.5 mL) by mouth every 4 hours. Don't use more than 3 tablespoonfuls (45 mL) in a 24-hour period.

              • Children under 6 years: Ask your child's provider.

              Robitussin Peak Cold Multi-Symptom Cold:

              • Each 10 mL contains 20 mg of dextromethorphan, 200 mg of guaifenesin, and 10 mg of phenylephrine.

              • Adults and children age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) by mouth every 4 hours. Don't use more than 6 doses (60 mL) in a 24-hour period.

              • Children under 12 years: Ask your child's provider.

              Children's Mucinex Congestion and Cough:

              • Each 5 mL contains 5 mg of dextromethorphan, 100 mg of guaifenesin, and 2.5 mg of phenylephrine.

              • Children age 6 years to under 12 years: The typical dose is 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) by mouth every 4 hours. Don't use more than 6 doses (60 mL) in a 24-hour period.

              • Children age 4 years to under 6 years: The typical dose is 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) by mouth every 4 hours. Don't use more than 6 doses (30 mL) in a 24-hour period.

              • Children under 4 years: Don't use. Ask your child's provider for other options.

              drug-cost

              How much does Deconex DMX cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
              contraindications-icon

              Deconex DMX contraindications

              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Deconex DMX will not be safe for you to take.
              • Currently take or have taken an MAOI in the last 14 days

              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Deconex DMX?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Deconex DMX. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Deconex DMX
              Used for:
              • Loosen phlegm (mucus) in the lungs to make it easier to cough up

              • Short-term relief of cough and stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

              $12.64 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              • Short-term relief of coughs caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)

              • Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)

              $16.09 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              • Chest congestion

              • Sinus congestion and pressure

              • Stuffy nose

              • Cough

              $14.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

              Get savings updates for Deconex DMX

              Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Deconex DMX and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

              By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

              Browse medications

              View All

              Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.