Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Mucinex vs. Mucinex D

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

Key takeaways

Guaifenesin ER (Mucinex ER) and Mucinex D (guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine) are both medications used to relieve chest congestion, but they have some important differences. Guaifenesin ER is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough out. Mucinex D combines guaifenesin with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that relieves stuffy nose and sinus pressure by narrowing blood vessels in your nasal passages. Both medications are available over-the-counter and are taken orally every 12 hours by people aged 12 and older. However, Mucinex D may be controlled in some states because it contains pseudoephedrine. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of guaifenesin ER include nausea and headache, while Mucinex D can cause trouble sleeping and anxiety due to the pseudoephedrine. Additionally, Mucinex D should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before taking if you have high blood pressure.

  • Guaifenesin er
    Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)
  • Guaifenesin er
    Mucinex d (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)

  • Summary of Mucinex vs. Mucinex D

    Summary for Expectorant

    Guaifenesin extended-release (ER) is an over-the-counter expectorant used to relieve wet cough. It helps loosen phlegm in the throat and chest so you can cough it up more easily. Guaifenesin ER can be taken orally by adults and children 12 years and older, typically every 12 hours as needed. Most people experience few to no side effects after taking this medication as directed. Guaifenesin ER is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

    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.

  • Indications of Mucinex vs. Mucinex D

    Indications for
    •Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Mucinex vs. Mucinex D

    Pros and Const for Expectorant
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Taken by mouth
    •Longer-lasting compared to guaifenesin IR
    Cons
    •Tablets can't be cut or crushed
    •Not meant to be taken long-term
    •Guaifenesin in many over-the-counter products, so you can accidentally take too much
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Mucinex vs. Mucinex D

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Mucinex vs. Mucinex D

    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidentally taking too much medication (overdose)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions
    •Accidentally taking too much medication

  • Prices with our coupons for Mucinex vs. Mucinex D

    Learn more about Guaifenesin er
    Learn more about Mucinex d

Compare other Cough drugs

Allegra D vs Mucinex DBenzonatate vs MucinexCapmist Dm vs Mucinex DmClaritin D vs Mucinex DDayquil vs Mucinex DFlonase vs MucinexMucinex D vs DelsymMucinex D vs Mucinex DmMucinex D vs SudafedMucinex Dm vs BenadrylMucinex Dm vs Codeine GuaifenesinMucinex Dm vs DayquilMucinex Dm vs Dayquil Cold And FluMucinex Dm vs DelsymMucinex Dm vs Nyquil Cold And FluMucinex Dm vs SudafedMucinex vs DayquilMucinex vs DelsymMucinex vs Mucinex DMucinex vs Mucinex DmMucinex vs Nyquil Cold And FluMucinex vs RobitussinMucinex vs Robitussin AcRobitussin Multi Symptom Cold Cf vs MucinexRobitussin Multi Symptom Cold Cf vs Mucinex DRobitussin Multi Symptom Cold Cf vs Mucinex DmUnisom vs MucinexUnisom vs Mucinex DmZyrtec D vs Mucinex DBenzonatate vs Robitussin
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.