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Compare Nyquil vs. Mucinex DM

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

Key takeaways

Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) and Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve cough, but they belong to different medication classes. Nyquil Cold and Flu is a combination of an analgesic, a cough suppressant, and an antihistamine, while Mucinex DM combines an expectorant and a cough suppressant. Both medications contain dextromethorphan, which helps suppress coughs. Nyquil Cold and Flu is specifically used for cold and flu symptoms like sore throat, fever, and runny nose, and it can make you sleepy due to the antihistamine doxylamine. Mucinex DM, on the other hand, is used to relieve coughs and loosen mucus in the chest and is available in extended-release tablets, oral liquids, and dissolvable granules. Nyquil Cold and Flu is available in liquid and capsule forms and is typically taken every 6 hours, while Mucinex DM's extended-release tablets are taken every 12 hours. Both medications should not be taken with MAOIs, like selegiline (Zelapar), and should not be taken together because they both contain dextromethorphan. Common side effects of Nyquil Cold and Flu include sleepiness and dizziness, while Mucinex DM may cause stomach upset and dizziness.

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

  • Summary of Nyquil vs. Mucinex DM

    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.

    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.

  • Indications of Nyquil vs. Mucinex DM

    Indications for

    Temporarily relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

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

  • Pros and Cons of Nyquil vs. Mucinex DM

    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Nyquil vs. Mucinex DM

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth
    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

  • Warnings of Nyquil vs. Mucinex DM

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Nyquil vs. Mucinex DM

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

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