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Compare Unisom vs. Mucinex

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

Key takeaways

Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) and guaifenesin extended-release (ER) (Mucinex ER) are both over-the-counter medications, but they have several differences. Doxylamine is an antihistamine used to help you fall asleep by blocking histamine in the brain, while guaifenesin ER is an expectorant that helps loosen mucus in your airways to relieve chest congestion. Doxylamine is typically taken once a day before bedtime, whereas guaifenesin ER is taken every 12 hours as needed. Doxylamine can cause next-day sleepiness and is not recommended for older adults or those with certain medical conditions, while guaifenesin ER is generally well-tolerated with few side effects. Additionally, doxylamine is not safe to combine with alcohol or other antihistamines, whereas guaifenesin ER does not have known interactions with alcohol but should not be taken with other similar medications to avoid overdose. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

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  • Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
    Guaifenesin er
  • Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
    Guaifenesin er

  • Summary of Unisom vs. Mucinex

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can be taken by adults and children ages 12 years and older who are having trouble falling asleep. It's a sleep aid that works by blocking certain chemicals (histamine) in your body. Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) is taken by mouth once a day, about 30 minutes before bedtime. The most common side effect of this medication is next-day sleepiness.

    Summary for Expectorant

    Guaifenesin extended-release (ER) is an over-the-counter expectorant used to relieve wet cough. It helps loosen phlegm in the throat and chest so you can cough it up more easily. Guaifenesin ER can be taken orally by adults and children 12 years and older, typically every 12 hours as needed. Most people experience few to no side effects after taking this medication as directed. Guaifenesin ER is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Unisom vs. Mucinex

    Indications for
    •Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
    Indications for
    •Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)

  • Pros and Cons of Unisom vs. Mucinex

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works well to help you fall asleep
    •Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
    •Starts to work quickly (within 1 hour)
    •Can be used in children as young as 12 years old
    Cons
    •Should only use when you have a full night to sleep
    •Can make you sleepy throughout the next day
    •Not the best choice for people over 65 years old or people with glaucoma, breathing problems, or urinary problems
    Pros and Const for Expectorant
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Taken by mouth
    •Longer-lasting compared to guaifenesin IR
    Cons
    •Tablets can't be cut or crushed
    •Not meant to be taken long-term
    •Guaifenesin in many over-the-counter products, so you can accidentally take too much

  • Common Side Effects of Unisom vs. Mucinex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Difficulty concentrating
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Diarrhea
    •Dizziness
    •Headache

  • Warnings of Unisom vs. Mucinex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidentally taking too much medication (overdose)

  • Prices with our coupons for Unisom vs. Mucinex

    Learn more about Doxylamine
    Learn more about Guaifenesin er

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