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Compare Mucinex D vs. Delsym

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

Key takeaways

Mucinex D (guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine) and dextromethorphan (Delsym) are both over-the-counter medications, but they serve different purposes. Mucinex D is a combination of an expectorant (guaifenesin) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine), which helps relieve stuffy nose, chest congestion, and sinus pressure. It is taken every 12 hours and is available in generic form. On the other hand, dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that helps relieve dry cough by suppressing the cough reflex. It comes in both extended-release and immediate-release forms, with dosing intervals of 12 hours and 6-8 hours, respectively. While Mucinex D can cause trouble sleeping and headache, dextromethorphan may cause nausea and, rarely, drowsiness. Additionally, Mucinex D is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, whereas dextromethorphan should be used cautiously with other medications that raise serotonin levels. Neither medication should be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

  • Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
    Dextromethorphan (Delsym)
  • Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
    Dextromethorphan (Delsym)

  • Summary of Mucinex D vs. Delsym

    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.

    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.

  • Indications of Mucinex D vs. Delsym

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

  • Pros and Cons of Mucinex D vs. Delsym

    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Mucinex D vs. Delsym

    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Dry mouth
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Belly discomfort

  • Warnings of Mucinex D vs. Delsym

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •Overdose and misuse
    •Medication interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Mucinex D vs. Delsym

    Learn more about Mucinex d
    Learn more about Dextromethorphan

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