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Compare Mucinex DM vs. Dayquil

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

Key takeaways

Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan) and Dayquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve cough. They both contain dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant. However, they have some important differences. Mucinex DM is a combination of an expectorant (guaifenesin) and a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) and is specifically used to relieve cough and loosen mucus. It comes in tablets, dissolvable granules, and liquid forms, with dosing varying by form. Dayquil Cold and Flu, on the other hand, combines an analgesic (acetaminophen), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), and a decongestant (phenylephrine) to treat a wider range of cold and flu symptoms, including aches, fever, and nasal congestion. It is available as pills and liquid and is typically taken every 4 hours. Mucinex DM can cause drowsiness, while Dayquil may cause nervousness or keep you awake due to phenylephrine. Mucinex DM contains dextromethorphan, while Dayquil Cold and Flu contains acetaminophen. Do not take other products containing the same medication, as it could lead to serious side effects.

  • Mucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
    Dayquil cold and flu
  • Mucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
    Dayquil cold and flu

  • Summary of Mucinex DM vs. Dayquil

    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 Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant

    Dayquil Cold and Flu is a combination of three active ingredients: acetaminophen (an analgesic), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). Dayquil Cold and Flu helps treat symptoms from the common cold and flu in adults and children. It can relieve stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, headache, aches, and fever. Besides Dayquil Cold and Flu, this medication is available under many other brand names and as a generic. It's available as pills and a liquid that's typically taken every 4 hours. Side effects aren't common but can include stomach upset and nervousness.

  • Indications of Mucinex DM vs. Dayquil

    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
    •Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold and flu:
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Headache
    •Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Fever

  • Pros and Cons of Mucinex DM vs. Dayquil

    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 Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Decongestant
    Pros
    •Can treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms
    •More convenient to take three medications in a single dose
    •Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
    •Alcohol-free liquid forms of the medication are available
    Cons
    •Might need to take as often as every 4 hours to relieve symptoms
    •More difficult to customize the dose since Dayquil Cold and Flu is a fixed combination of three medications
    •Might not be the best choice for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure
    •Might not be the best choice for people who drink alcohol regularly

  • Common Side Effects of Mucinex DM vs. Dayquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach upset
    •Nervousness or anxiety

  • Warnings of Mucinex DM vs. Dayquil

    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
    •Liver damage
    •Allergic skin reactions
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidentally taking too much medication
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Mucinex DM vs. Dayquil

    Learn more about Mucinex dm
    Learn more about Dayquil cold and flu

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