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Compare Mucinex DM vs. Cheratussin AC

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

Key takeaways

Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan) and Guaifenesin AC (codeine/guaifenesin) are both used to relieve cough and loosen mucus, but they have some key differences. Mucinex DM is an over-the-counter medication that combines an expectorant (guaifenesin) and a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan). It is available in various forms like tablets, liquids, and granules, and can be taken by people as young as 4 years old, depending on the formulation. On the other hand, Guaifenesin AC is a prescription-only medication that combines an expectorant (guaifenesin) with an opioid (codeine). It is a controlled substance due to the potential for addiction and misuse, and it is not recommended for children under 12 years old. While Mucinex DM can cause mild side effects like dizziness and drowsiness, Guaifenesin AC has more serious risks, including the potential for dangerously slow breathing and life-threatening interactions with other medications. Additionally, Guaifenesin AC is meant for short-term use only because of the risk of dependence.

  • Mucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
    Codeine/guaifenesin
  • Mucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
    Codeine/guaifenesin

  • Summary of Mucinex DM vs. Cheratussin AC

    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.

    Summary for Opioid / Expectorant
    Prescription only

    Codeine/guaifenesin is a cough syrup that contains an expectorant and an opioid. It's used to help loosen mucus and calm coughs in adults and older children. Codeine/guaifenesin is taken by mouth, typically every 4 hours as needed. But it's meant for short-term use only because it contains codeine, which is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming. Some side effects of codeine/guaifenesin include sleepiness and nausea. Brand name Cheratussin AC has been discontinued.

  • Indications of Mucinex DM vs. Cheratussin AC

    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)
    Indications for
    •Temporarily easily cough from throat or lung irritations
    •Loosens mucus so that its easier to cough up

  • Pros and Cons of Mucinex DM vs. Cheratussin AC

    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
    Pros and Const for Opioid / Expectorant
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Helps you cough less often
    •A possible option for people who can't swallow pills
    Cons
    •Not for long-term use because can be habit-forming
    •Not for children under 12 years old
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness

  • Common Side Effects of Mucinex DM vs. Cheratussin AC

    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (40%)
    •Nausea (37%)

  • Warnings of Mucinex DM vs. Cheratussin AC

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Short-term use only
    •Not for children under 12 years old
    •Dangerous interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Mucinex DM vs. Cheratussin AC

    Learn more about Mucinex dm
    Learn more about Codeine/guaifenesin

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