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Compare Dayquil vs. Mucinex D

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine (Dayquil) and guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine (Mucinex D) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as nasal congestion. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Dayquil is a combination of an analgesic, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant and is used for short-term relief of cold and flu symptoms like minor aches, cough, and fever. On the other hand, Mucinex D combines an expectorant and a decongestant to relieve chest congestion and sinus pressure. Dayquil is typically taken every 4 hours, while Mucinex D comes as an extended-release tablet taken every 12 hours. Both medications are available as generics, but Mucinex D is behind-the-counter in some states due to pseudoephedrine. Common side effects of Dayquil include stomach upset and nervousness, while Mucinex D can cause trouble sleeping and headaches. Both medications should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and can interact with other medications, so talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before using either one.

  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
  • Dayquil cold and flu
    Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)

  • Summary of Dayquil vs. Mucinex D

    Summary for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant

    Dayquil Cold and Flu is a combination of three active ingredients: acetaminophen (an analgesic), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). Dayquil Cold and Flu helps treat symptoms from the common cold and flu in adults and children. It can relieve stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, headache, aches, and fever. Besides Dayquil Cold and Flu, this medication is available under many other brand names and as a generic. It's available as pills and a liquid that's typically taken every 4 hours. Side effects aren't common but can include stomach upset and nervousness.

    Summary for Expectorant / Decongestant

    Mucinex D is a combination medication containing two active ingredients: guaifenesin (an expectorant) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). It's used to help temporarily relieve stuffy nose, chest congestion, and sinus pressure. This medication can be used for people 12 years of age and older. It's an extended-release tablet that's taken by mouth every 12 hours and is also available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include trouble sleeping and headache.

  • Indications of Dayquil vs. Mucinex D

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold and flu:
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Headache
    •Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Fever
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of stuffy nose due to allergies or the common cold
    •Loosens mucus to ease chest congestion
    •Sinus congestion and pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Dayquil vs. Mucinex D

    Pros and Const for Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Can treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms
    •More convenient to take three medications in a single dose
    •Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
    •Alcohol-free liquid forms of the medication are available
    Cons
    •Might need to take as often as every 4 hours to relieve symptoms
    •More difficult to customize the dose since Dayquil Cold and Flu is a fixed combination of three medications
    •Might not be the best choice for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure
    •Might not be the best choice for people who drink alcohol regularly
    Pros and Const for Expectorant / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Helps with stuffy nose, chest and sinus congestion, and wet cough
    •Combines two medications in a single product for convenience
    •Available over the counter without a prescription (in most states)
    •Doesn't cause drowsiness or sleepiness
    Cons
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of two medications
    •Only available as an extended-release tablet, which can't be cut or crushed
    •Might not be the best choice for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure
    •Not the best choice if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Dayquil vs. Mucinex D

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach upset
    •Nervousness or anxiety
    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Dayquil vs. Mucinex D

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic skin reactions
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Accidentally taking too much medication

  • Prices with our coupons for Dayquil vs. Mucinex D

    Learn more about Dayquil cold and flu
    Learn more about Mucinex d

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