Aquanaz vs. Guaifenesin for Cough: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Summary for Aquanaz

Over-the-counter

Deconex 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.

Indications for Aquanaz

Loosen phlegm (mucus) in the lungs to make it easier to cough up
Short-term relief of cough and stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

Pros and Cons for Aquanaz

Pros

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 liquid

Cons

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)

Common Side Effects for Aquanaz

Dizziness
Sleepiness
Headache

Warnings for Aquanaz

Serotonin syndrome
Accidental overdose
Worsening of medical conditions

Summary for Guaifenesin

Over-the-counter

Guaifenesin is an expectorant used for wet cough. It helps loosen phlegm in the throat and chest so you can cough it up more easily. Guaifenesin is an immediate-release medication that's available as a tablet and liquid solution. It's taken by mouth, typically every 4 hours, by adults and children. Most people experience few to no side effects after taking this medication as directed. Guaifenesin can be found under multiple brands (e.g., Robafen, Geri-Tussin) and as a generic medication.

Indications for Guaifenesin

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

Pros and Cons for Guaifenesin

Pros

Available over the counter
Has very few side effects if used as directed
Available as a tablet and oral liquid

Cons

Might not work work well for dry coughs
Not meant to be used long-term
Found in many over-the-counter products, so you can accidentally take too much

Common Side Effects for Guaifenesin

Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

Warnings for Guaifenesin

Accidentally taking too much medication (overdose)

Prices with our coupons for Aquanaz vs. Guaifenesin

Aquanaz30 tablets / 15mg/400mg/10mg

$13.97$14.80

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Guaifenesin30 tablets / 400mg

$10.60-

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Aquanaz vs. Guaifenesin

Key takeaways

See more from our pharmacists

Deconex DMX

Guaifenesin

Summary for Aquanaz

Indications for Aquanaz

Pros and Cons for Aquanaz

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Aquanaz

Warnings for Aquanaz

Summary for Guaifenesin

Indications for Guaifenesin

Pros and Cons for Guaifenesin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Guaifenesin

Warnings for Guaifenesin

Prices with our coupons for Aquanaz vs. Guaifenesin

Browse medications by letter

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Deconex DMX

Guaifenesin

Summary for Aquanaz

Indications for Aquanaz

Pros and Cons for Aquanaz

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Aquanaz

Warnings for Aquanaz

Summary for Guaifenesin

Indications for Guaifenesin

Pros and Cons for Guaifenesin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Guaifenesin

Warnings for Guaifenesin