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Compare Mucinex DM vs. Nyquil

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

Key takeaways

Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan) and Nyquil Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/doxylamine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve cough, but they belong to different medication classes. Mucinex DM combines an expectorant and a cough suppressant to help clear chest congestion and reduce coughing. Nyquil Cold and Flu, on the other hand, combines a pain reliever, a cough suppressant, and an antihistamine to address a broader range of cold and flu symptoms, including cough, sore throat, fever, and runny nose. Mucinex DM is available in tablets, liquid, and dissolvable granules, while Nyquil Cold and Flu is available in liquid and capsule forms. Mucinex DM is typically taken every 4 to 12 hours depending on the formulation, whereas Nyquil Cold and Flu is taken every 6 hours. Both medications can cause drowsiness, but Nyquil Cold and Flu is more likely to make you sleepy due to the antihistamine doxylamine. Additionally, Nyquil Cold and Flu contains acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage if taken in excess or with alcohol, so you should avoid taking it with other acetaminophen-containing products.

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

  • Summary of Mucinex DM vs. Nyquil

    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 / 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 DM vs. Nyquil

    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 relieves common cold and flu symptoms, including:

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

  • Pros and Cons of Mucinex DM vs. Nyquil

    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 / 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 DM vs. Nyquil

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

  • Warnings of Mucinex DM vs. Nyquil

    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
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Mucinex DM vs. Nyquil

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

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