Compare Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Deconex DMX and Mucinex DM are both over-the-counter medications that are used to treat cough. They both contain guaifenesin and dextromethorphan, which are both medications that treat cough in different ways. Deconex DMX also contains a third medication called phenylephrine, which is a decongestant. The FDA, however, has deemed phenylephrine to be ineffective as a decongestant when taken orally.
- Deconex dmxMucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
- Deconex dmxMucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
Summary of Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM
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 Expectorant / AntitussiveMucinex 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 Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM
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 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 Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM
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 Expectorant / AntitussivePros•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 coughCons•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 tabletsCommon Side Effects of Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM
Common Side Effects for•Dizziness•Sleepiness•HeadacheCommon Side Effects for•Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.Warnings of Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM
Common Side Effects for•Serotonin syndrome•Accidental overdose•Worsening of medical conditionsCommon 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 onlyPrices with our coupons for Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.