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Dextromethorphan vs. Guaifenesin

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

Key takeaways

Dextromethorphan (Delsym) and guaifenesin (Mucinex) are both over-the-counter medications used to treat coughs, but they work in different ways. Dextromethorphan is an antitussive, which means it suppresses the cough reflex to help relieve a dry cough. Guaifenesin, on the other hand, is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear chest congestion. Dextromethorphan is available in both extended-release and immediate-release forms, while guaifenesin can be found in immediate-release tablets and liquid solutions. Guaifenesin is also available in an extended-release formulation (Mucinex ER). Dextromethorphan can cause side effects like nausea and drowsiness, and it can interact with certain medications, leading to serious conditions like serotonin syndrome. Guaifenesin generally has fewer side effects, but it can cause nausea and dizziness in some cases. Both medications should be used carefully to avoid accidental overdose, especially since they are common ingredients in many combination products.

Dextromethorphan

(Delsym)

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Guaifenesin

 

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Summary for Dextromethorphan

Over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Dextromethorphan

  • Short-term relief of cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)

Pros and Cons for Dextromethorphan

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

Common Side Effects for Dextromethorphan

Warnings for Dextromethorphan

  • Overdose and misuse
  • Medication interactions

Summary for Guaifenesin

Over-the-counter

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 for Guaifenesin

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

Pros and Cons for Guaifenesin

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 for Guaifenesin

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

Warnings for Guaifenesin

  • Accidentally taking too much medication (overdose)

Prices with our coupons for Dextromethorphan vs. Guaifenesin

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Dextromethorphan180 capsules / 15mg
$31.75$46.93
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Guaifenesin30 tablets / 400mg
$10.60-
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