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Compare Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM

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

Key takeaways

Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan) and Deconex DMX (dextromethorphan/guaifenesin/phenylephrine) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve cough and congestion, but they have some differences. Mucinex DM combines an expectorant (guaifenesin) to thin mucus and a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) to reduce your urge to cough. It’s available in many different forms, each with different dosages, directions, and age limits. Mucinex DM is taken every 4 to 12 hours, depending on the formulation. Deconex DMX has the same ingredients as Mucinex DM, as well as a decongestant (phenylephrine) to help relieve nasal congestion. Deconex DMX needs to be taken more frequently, every 4 to 6 hours. Neither medication should be taken in children less than 4 years old. Mucinex DM is generally better tolerated with fewer common side effects, whereas Deconex DMX can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and headache.

drug combination

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  • Deconex dmx
    Mucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
  • Deconex dmx
    Mucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)

  • Summary of Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM

    Summary for Cough suppressant / Expectorant / Decongestant

    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.

    Summary for Expectorant / Antitussive

    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 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 / Decongestant
    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)
    Pros and Const for Expectorant / Antitussive
    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 of Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Headache
    Common 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 conditions
    Common 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 only

  • Prices with our coupons for Aquanaz vs. Mucinex DM

    Learn more about Deconex dmx
    Learn more about Mucinex dm

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