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Compare Dextromethorphan vs. Guaifenesin

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

  • Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
    Guaifenesin
  • Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
    Guaifenesin

  • Summary of Dextromethorphan vs. Guaifenesin

    Summary for Antitussive

    Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is an over-the-counter cough suppressant (antitussive). It helps relieve "dry" cough in adults and children by suppressing the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is available as an extended-release (ER) cough syrup that's taken by mouth, typically every 12 hours. It also comes as an immediate-release (IR) caplet that's usually taken every 6 to 8 hours. Dextromethorphan might also come in additional formulations, under other brands. Some common side effects of dextromethorphan (Delsym) include nausea and stomach upset. Rarely, it can also make you sleepy.

    Summary for Expectorant

    Guaifenesin is an expectorant used for wet cough. It helps loosen phlegm in the throat and chest so you can cough it up more easily. Guaifenesin is an immediate-release medication that's available as a tablet and liquid solution. It's taken by mouth, typically every 4 hours, by adults and children. Most people experience few to no side effects after taking this medication as directed. Guaifenesin can be found under multiple brands (e.g., Robafen, Geri-Tussin) and as a generic medication.

  • Indications of Dextromethorphan vs. Guaifenesin

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)
    Indications for
    •Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)

  • Pros and Cons of Dextromethorphan vs. Guaifenesin

    Pros and Const for Antitussive
    Pros
    •Available as pills or oral liquids
    •Sugar-free options available
    •Available over the counter without a prescription
    Cons
    •Might need to take multiple times a day
    •Meant for short-term treatment of cough only
    •Found in many OTC products, so you can accidentally take too much
    Pros and Const for Expectorant
    Pros
    •Available over the counter
    •Has very few side effects if used as directed
    •Available as a tablet and oral liquid
    Cons
    •Might not work work well for dry coughs
    •Not meant to be used long-term
    •Found in many over-the-counter products, so you can accidentally take too much

  • Common Side Effects of Dextromethorphan vs. Guaifenesin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Belly discomfort
    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

  • Warnings of Dextromethorphan vs. Guaifenesin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Overdose and misuse
    •Medication interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidentally taking too much medication (overdose)

  • Prices with our coupons for Dextromethorphan vs. Guaifenesin

    Learn more about Dextromethorphan
    Learn more about Guaifenesin

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