Mucinex D Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Mucinex D (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) cold medication. It can help temporarily relieve chest congestion and a stuffy nose. It contains two active ingredients: guaifenesin (to help loosen mucus) and pseudoephedrine (to relieve nasal congestion).

Like all medications, Mucinex D is most effective (and has the lowest risk of side effects) when it’s taken at the right dosage. But how much should you take? Below, we review typical Mucinex D dosages for adults and children.

Good to know: Mucinex D and Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) are commonly confused. But they have several notable differences, including unique recommended dosages.

What’s the typical Mucinex D dosage for adults?

Mucinex D is typically taken every 12 hours as needed. It comes as extended-release (ER) tablets that slowly release medication over several hours. There are two versions available: Mucinex D and Mucinex D Maximum Strength. These products contain different amounts of the active ingredients. So it’s important to read your product’s OTC label carefully for instructions on how to take it.

You don’t need a prescription for Mucinex D. But because it contains pseudoephedrine, it’s located behind the pharmacy counter. You must be 18 or older and show a state or federal photo ID to purchase Mucinex D. And there are restrictions on how much you can buy per day and per month. Your pharmacist can let you know the specific restrictions for your area.

Good to know: The pseudoephedrine portion of Mucinex D can potentially keep you awake at night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, avoid taking it close to bedtime. And ask your pharmacist about other options if you’re looking for a “nighttime” cold medication.

Mucinex D dosage

Mucinex D tablets contain 600 mg of guaifenesin and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine. The typical Mucinex D dosage for adults is 2 tablets by mouth every 12 hours as needed. The maximum dosage is 4 tablets in 24 hours.

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Swallow Mucinex D tablets whole; don’t cut, chew, or crush them. It’s recommended to take the medication with a full glass of water. But you can take it with or without food.

Mucinex D Maximum Strength dosage

Mucinex D Maximum Strength tablets contain 1,200 mg of guaifenesin and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine. The typical Mucinex D Maximum Strength dosage for adults is 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours as needed. The maximum dosage is 2 tablets in 24 hours.

Swallow Mucinex D Maximum Strength tablets whole; don’t cut, chew, or crush them. It’s recommended to take the medication with a full glass of water. But you can take it with or without food.

What’s the typical Mucinex D dosage for children?

Mucinex D should only be given to adolescents who are 12 or older. Adolescents in this age group can take the recommended adult Mucinex D dosages mentioned above. Don’t give Mucinex D to children under 12.

Why shouldn’t children under 12 take Mucinex D?

Mucinex D is a fixed-dose combination medication. This means that the dose can’t be changed or customized. And the amounts of the active ingredients in Mucinex D may be too high for children under 12.

For example, children under 12 should only take between 50 mg and 200 mg of guaifenesin at one time, depending on their age. And they should only take between 15 mg to 30 mg of pseudoephedrine at one time. As mentioned above, Mucinex D contains 600 mg of guaifenesin and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine, and Mucinex D Maximum Strength contains higher amounts of the active ingredients.

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Are there any dosage adjustments for health conditions?

Many medications have different dosages for people living with kidney or liver disease. But there are no recommended dosage adjustments for Mucinex D based on these health conditions. However, there are certain people who may need to avoid the medication altogether.

Ask a healthcare professional before taking Mucinex D if you:

• Have heart problems, such as heart disease

• Have high blood pressure

• Have thyroid problems

• Have diabetes

• Are pregnant

• Are breastfeeding

• Have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland

• Have a persistent or chronic cough caused by smoking, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Have excessive amounts of mucus with your cough

The above situations can increase the risk of side effects from Mucinex D and, in many cases, are reasons to avoid taking it. If any of these situations apply to you, talk to a healthcare professional about whether it’s safe for you to take Mucinex D.

What should you do if you take too much Mucinex D?

Taking an extra dose of Mucinex D by mistake is unlikely to cause serious harm. But you may experience more side effects than usual. Common side effects of guaifenesin include nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Common pseudoephedrine side effects include trouble sleeping, anxiety, and dry mouth.

Taking excessively high dosages of Mucinex D can be more serious. Large amounts of pseudoephedrine can cause severe side effects, such as hallucinations and dangerously high blood pressure. In some cases, a pseudoephedrine overdose can even be fatal.

If you think you’ve taken too much Mucinex D or are experiencing excessive side effects, contact your healthcare professional right away. You can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If you’re experiencing trouble breathing, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat, call 911 or seek emergency care right away.

How to save on Mucinex D

There are ways to save on Mucinex D, which is available as a brand-name and generic medication. If your healthcare professional writes you a prescription for Mucinex D, GoodRx may be able to help you save over 40% off the average retail price.

At certain pharmacies, the price of 20 tablets of the generic version of Mucinex D may be as low as $7.41 with a free GoodRx coupon. And the price of 20 tablets of generic Mucinex D Maximum Strength may be as low as $8.73.

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Written by:

Sarah Morin, RPh

Sarah Morin, RPh, has been a registered pharmacist for over 25 years. She started out as a hospital pharmacist, working at Rhode Island Hospital and then at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh, PACS

Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in Florida. She has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 15 years and is currently a medical writer.

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