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Compare Mucinex D vs. Sudafed

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

Key takeaways

Mucinex D (guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine) and Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion, often due to allergies or the common cold. They share the active ingredient pseudoephedrine, which is a decongestant. However, Mucinex D also contains guaifenesin, an expectorant that helps loosen mucus in the chest, making it easier to cough out. Mucinex D is available as an extended-release tablet taken every 12 hours, while Sudafed comes in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with dosing intervals ranging from every 4 to 24 hours. Common side effects of both medications include trouble sleeping and headache. Both medications should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and can raise blood pressure, so it's important to consult with a healthcare professional first if you have heart problems or high blood pressure.

  • Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
    Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)
  • Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
    Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

  • Summary of Mucinex D vs. Sudafed

    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 Alpha agonist

    Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a non-drowsy decongestant taken by mouth to treat nasal and sinus congestion from allergies and the common cold. It's available in a short-acting version that's taken once every 4 to 6 hours. It also comes in longer-acting versions that are taken every 12 or 24 hours, depending on the dose. Side effects of Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) include anxiety and headache. This medication might also keep you awake at night if you take it too close to bedtime. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is an OTC medication, but it's restricted, so you can only purchase it at the pharmacy counter.

  • Indications of Mucinex D vs. Sudafed

    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 nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Mucinex D vs. Sudafed

    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 Alpha agonist
    Pros
    •Works well to treat congestion
    •Available in longer-acting versions that last 12 hours or 24 hours
    •Children's oral liquids can be taken by kids as young as 4 years old
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Several products have different age cut-offs for use in children, so can be confusing
    •Might make it hard for some people to sleep
    •Can raise blood pressure and heart rate
    •Not recommended during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Mucinex D vs. Sudafed

    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Dry mouth
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sweating
    •Nervousness
    •Excitability
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Difficulty urinating

  • Warnings of Mucinex D vs. Sudafed

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose

  • Prices with our coupons for Mucinex D vs. Sudafed

    Learn more about Mucinex d
    Learn more about Sudafed

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