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Compare Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM

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

Key takeaways

Mucinex D (guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine) and Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve cold symptoms, but they have different active ingredients and uses. Mucinex D combines guaifenesin, an expectorant that loosens mucus, with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that relieves nasal and sinus congestion. It is taken every 12 hours and can cause side effects like trouble sleeping and headache. On the other hand, Mucinex DM combines guaifenesin with dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant that reduces the urge to cough. Mucinex DM is available in various forms, including tablets, liquids, and granules, and can be taken every 4 to 12 hours depending on the formulation. It may cause drowsiness and dizziness. While both medications help with chest congestion, Mucinex D is better for nasal congestion, and Mucinex DM is better for suppressing coughs.

drug combination

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  • Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
    Mucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
  • Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
    Mucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)

  • Summary of Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM

    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 Expectorant / Antitussive

    Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) is an over-the-counter medication that's used to relieve cough and loosen mucus. It has two active ingredients: guaifenesin (an expectorant that clears chest congestion) and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant that relieves cough). The medication is available as tablets, dissolvable granules, and liquid that are taken by mouth, each with different dosages, directions, and age limits. Extended-release tablets are taken every 12 hours, while the other forms are usually taken every 4 hours. Most people have few to no side effects when used as directed, but it can sometimes cause stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness.

  • Indications of Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM

    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 coughs caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)
    •Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)

  • Pros and Cons of Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM

    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 Expectorant / Antitussive
    Pros
    •Available as a tablet, oral liquid, and dissolvable granules
    •Available over the counter without a prescription
    •Sugar-free options available, so okay to use for people with high blood sugar
    •Works within 30 minutes to help lessen cough
    Cons
    •Not meant to be used long-term
    •Might need to take multiple times a day to relieve symptoms
    •Many states require you to be over 18 to buy it because of risk of misuse
    •Can't cut or crush extended-release tablets

  • Common Side Effects of Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM

    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Dry mouth
    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

  • Warnings of Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of overdose and misuse
    •Interactions with certain medications for Parkinson's disease and depression
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - dissolvable granules only

  • Prices with our coupons for Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM

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