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

Mucinex DM

(guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)

Dextromethorphan

(Delsym)

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

Summary for Delsym

Over-the-counter

Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is an over-the-counter cough suppressant (antitussive). It helps relieve "dry" cough in adults and children by suppressing the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is available as an extended-release (ER) cough syrup that's taken by mouth, typically every 12 hours. It also comes as an immediate-release (IR) caplet that's usually taken every 6 to 8 hours. Dextromethorphan might also come in additional formulations, under other brands. Some common side effects of dextromethorphan (Delsym) include nausea and stomach upset. Rarely, it can also make you sleepy.

Indications for Delsym

Short-term relief of cough caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)

Pros and Cons for Delsym

Pros

Available as pills or oral liquids
Sugar-free options available
Available over the counter without a prescription

Cons

Might need to take multiple times a day
Meant for short-term treatment of cough only
Found in many OTC products, so you can accidentally take too much

Common Side Effects for Delsym

Nausea
Belly discomfort

Warnings for Delsym

Overdose and misuse
Medication interactions

Prices with our coupons for Mucinex DM vs. Delsym

Mucinex DM20 tablets / 600mg/30mg

$10.17$19.30

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Dextromethorphan1 bottle / 30mg/5ml

$14.47-

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Compare other Cough drugs

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Mucinex DM vs. Delsym

Mucinex DM

Dextromethorphan

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

Summary for Delsym

Indications for Delsym

Pros and Cons for Delsym

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Delsym

Warnings for Delsym

Prices with our coupons for Mucinex DM vs. Delsym

Compare other Cough drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Mucinex DM

Dextromethorphan

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

Summary for Delsym

Indications for Delsym

Pros and Cons for Delsym

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Delsym

Warnings for Delsym