Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM for Cough: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Deconex DMX

Mucinex DM

(guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)

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 DM

Over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Mucinex DM

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 for Mucinex DM

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

Common Side Effects for Mucinex DM

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

Warnings for Mucinex DM

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

Prices with our coupons for Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM

Aquanaz30 tablets / 15mg/400mg/10mg

$13.97$15.44

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Mucinex DM20 tablets / 600mg/30mg

$10.17$19.26

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Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM

Deconex DMX

Mucinex DM

Summary for Aquanaz

Indications for Aquanaz

Pros and Cons for Aquanaz

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Aquanaz

Warnings for Aquanaz

Summary for Mucinex DM

Indications for Mucinex DM

Pros and Cons for Mucinex DM

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Mucinex DM

Warnings for Mucinex DM

Prices with our coupons for Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM

Browse medications by letter

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Deconex DMX

Mucinex DM

Summary for Aquanaz

Indications for Aquanaz

Pros and Cons for Aquanaz

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Aquanaz

Warnings for Aquanaz

Summary for Mucinex DM

Indications for Mucinex DM

Pros and Cons for Mucinex DM

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Mucinex DM

Warnings for Mucinex DM