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Compare Unisom vs. Mucinex DM

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

Key takeaways

Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) and Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan) are both over-the-counter medications, but they have several differences. Doxylamine is an antihistamine used as a sleep aid to help you fall asleep by blocking histamine in the brain, while Mucinex DM is a combination of an expectorant (guaifenesin) and a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) used to relieve cough and chest congestion. Doxylamine is typically taken once a day before bedtime, whereas Mucinex DM can be taken every 4 to 12 hours depending on the formulation. Doxylamine can cause next-day sleepiness and is not recommended for older adults or those with certain medical conditions, while Mucinex DM might cause stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness but is generally well-tolerated. Additionally, Mucinex DM has multiple formulations, including tablets, liquids, and granules, and is not recommended for children under 4 years old. Both medications should not be mixed with alcohol or other similar medications to avoid serious side effects.

drug combination

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  • Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
    Mucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
  • Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
    Mucinex dm (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)

  • Summary of Unisom vs. Mucinex DM

    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 / 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 Unisom vs. Mucinex DM

    Indications for
    •Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
    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 Unisom vs. Mucinex DM

    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 / 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 Unisom vs. Mucinex DM

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Difficulty concentrating
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.

  • Warnings of Unisom vs. Mucinex DM

    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    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 Unisom vs. Mucinex DM

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    Learn more about Mucinex dm

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