Compare Aquanaz vs. Delsym
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Dextromethorphan (Delsym) and Deconex DMX (dextromethorphan/guaifenesin/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve cough, but they have different ingredients and uses. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by acting on the part of your brain that makes you cough. It is available in various forms, including sugar-free options, making it suitable for people with diabetes. On the other hand, Deconex DMX combines a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), an expectorant (guaifenesin), and a decongestant (phenylephrine). This combination not only suppresses cough but also helps to loosen mucus and relieve nasal congestion. Like with dextromethorphan, it comes in tablet and liquid formulations. While dextromethorphan is typically taken every 12 hours, Deconex DMX needs to be taken every 4 to 6 hours. Additionally, Deconex DMX has more restrictions for children and potential risks for people with certain health conditions. Both medications should be used cautiously to avoid overdose and interactions with other medicines, particularly certain antidepressants.
- Deconex dmxDextromethorphan (Delsym)
- Deconex dmxDextromethorphan (Delsym)
Summary of Aquanaz vs. Delsym
Summary for Cough suppressant / Expectorant / DecongestantDeconex DMX is a combination of three medications: dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), guaifenesin (an expectorant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). It's used for cough and congestion and available over-the-counter as tablets and a liquid.
Summary for AntitussiveDextromethorphan (Delsym) is an over-the-counter cough suppressant (antitussive). It helps relieve "dry" cough in adults and children by suppressing the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is available as an extended-release (ER) cough syrup that's taken by mouth, typically every 12 hours. It also comes as an immediate-release (IR) caplet that's usually taken every 6 to 8 hours. Dextromethorphan might also come in additional formulations, under other brands. Some common side effects of dextromethorphan (Delsym) include nausea and stomach upset. Rarely, it can also make you sleepy.
Indications of Aquanaz vs. Delsym
Indications for•Loosen phlegm (mucus) in the lungs to make it easier to cough up•Short-term relief of cough and stuffy nose (nasal congestion)Indications for•Short-term relief of cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)Pros and Cons of Aquanaz vs. Delsym
Pros and Const for Cough suppressant / Expectorant / DecongestantPros•More convenient to take a product that's a combination of three medications•Some liquids are available without sugar for people with diabetes and children•Available over the counter•Available as tablets and liquidCons•More difficult to customize the dose since Deconex DMX is a combination of three medications•Several brands or manufacturers available with different age cut-offs for children, which raises the risk for accidental overdose•Needs to be taken every 4 to 6 hours•The amount of liquid per dose can be high (up to 20 mL for some brands)Pros and Const for AntitussivePros•Available as pills or oral liquids•Sugar-free options available•Available over the counter without a prescriptionCons•Might need to take multiple times a day•Meant for short-term treatment of cough only•Found in many OTC products, so you can accidentally take too muchCommon Side Effects of Aquanaz vs. Delsym
Common Side Effects for•Dizziness•Sleepiness•HeadacheCommon Side Effects for•Belly discomfortWarnings of Aquanaz vs. Delsym
Common Side Effects for•Serotonin syndrome•Accidental overdose•Worsening of medical conditionsCommon Side Effects for•Overdose and misuse•Medication interactionsPrices with our coupons for Aquanaz vs. Delsym
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