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Compare Mucinex vs. Nyquil

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

Key takeaways

Guaifenesin ER (Mucinex ER, Mucus Relief ER) and Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) are both over-the-counter medications, but they serve different purposes. Guaifenesin ER is an expectorant that helps loosen and thin mucus in your chest, making it easier to cough up. It's typically taken every 12 hours by people 12 years and older. Nyquil Cold and Flu, on the other hand, is a combination medication that includes a pain reliever (acetaminophen), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), and an antihistamine (doxylamine). It treats multiple cold and flu symptoms like cough, sore throat, fever, and runny nose, and is taken every 6 hours. While guaifenesin ER is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, Nyquil can cause sleepiness and dizziness due to the antihistamine. Additionally, Nyquil should not be taken with other medications containing acetaminophen to avoid liver damage. Both medications are available in generic forms, but Nyquil's combination of ingredients makes it more complex and potentially riskier if not used correctly.

  • Guaifenesin er
    Nyquil cold and flu
  • Guaifenesin er
    Nyquil cold and flu

  • Summary of Mucinex vs. Nyquil

    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 Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine

    Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination medication containing acetaminophen (a pain reliever), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and doxylamine (an antihistamine). It's used to treat cold and flu symptoms, like sore throat, fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, and aches, in adults and children. Nyquil Cold and Flu is available as pills and a liquid. This medication can make you feel sleepy and dizzy as side effects.

  • Indications of Mucinex vs. Nyquil

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

    Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

    •Cough
    •Sore throat
    •Headache
    •Minor aches and pains
    •Fever
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing

  • Pros and Cons of Mucinex vs. Nyquil

    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 Analgesic / Cough suppressant / Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Available over the counter
    •Works within 30 minutes to relieve cold and flu symptoms
    •Available in capsules and a liquid
    •Combines three medications in one product for convenience
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times per day
    •Can cause extreme sleepiness
    •More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of three medications
    •Need to avoid alcohol while taking it
    •Not meant for long-term use

  • Common Side Effects of Mucinex vs. Nyquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Mucinex vs. Nyquil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidentally taking too much medication (overdose)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Mucinex vs. Nyquil

    Learn more about Guaifenesin er
    Learn more about Nyquil cold and flu

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