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Aquanaz vs. Mucinex D

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

Key takeaways

Mucinex D (guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine) and Deconex DMX (dextromethorphan/guaifenesin/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used for relieving symptoms of congestion and cough, but they have different ingredients and uses. Mucinex D combines an expectorant (guaifenesin) with a decongestant (pseudoephedrine) to help loosen mucus and relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure. It only comes as an extended-release tablet that is taken every 12 hours. Deconex DMX is available in tablet or liquid formulations and includes a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), an expectorant (guaifenesin), and a decongestant (phenylephrine). It addresses cough, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure, and is taken every 4 to 6 hours. Both of these medications may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Common side effects of Mucinex D is trouble sleeping and headache, while Deconex DMX can cause dizziness and sleepiness.

Deconex DMX

 

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Mucinex D

(guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine)

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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 Mucinex D

Over-the-counter

Mucinex D is a combination medication containing two active ingredients: guaifenesin (an expectorant) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). It's used to help temporarily relieve stuffy nose, chest congestion, and sinus pressure. This medication can be used for people 12 years of age and older. It's an extended-release tablet that's taken by mouth every 12 hours and is also available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can include trouble sleeping and headache.

Indications for Mucinex D

  • Short-term relief of stuffy nose due to allergies or the common cold
  • Loosens mucus to ease chest congestion
  • Sinus congestion and pressure

Pros and Cons for Mucinex D

Pros

  • Helps with stuffy nose, chest and sinus congestion, and wet cough
  • Combines two medications in a single product for convenience
  • Available over the counter without a prescription (in most states)
  • Doesn't cause drowsiness or sleepiness

Cons

  • More difficult to customize the dose since it's a fixed combination of two medications
  • Only available as an extended-release tablet, which can't be cut or crushed
  • Might not be the best choice for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure
  • Not the best choice if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Mucinex D

Warnings for Mucinex D

  • Worsening of certain medical conditions
  • Accidentally taking too much medication

Prices with our coupons for Aquanaz vs. Mucinex D

Price Card Drug Icon
Aquanaz30 tablets / 15mg/400mg/10mg
$13.97$15.34
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Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine20 tablets / 600mg/60mg
$8.37$11.47
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