Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM: 7 Differences Between These Cough and Cold Medications
Mucinex D and Mucinex DM contain different ingredients, so they treat different cold symptoms. Learn which formula is right for you.
guaifenesin dm
Used for Cough
Used for Cough
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.
What is Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)?
What is Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) used 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)
How Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) works
Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) is a combination of two medications.
- Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It loosens mucus in your airways by making it thinner. This makes it easier to cough out mucus and help clear chest congestion.
- Dextromethorphan is an antitussive medication, which is another name for a cough suppressant. It works on the part of your brain that makes you cough (your cough reflex). Its actions on the brain make you cough less.
When does Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Mucinex DM, Adult Tussin Cough and Congestion DM, Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Expectorant / Antitussive |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
More on Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) essentials
Side effects of Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Side effects aren't common. See Other Side Effects.
Less Common Side Effects
Possible guaifenesin side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
Possible dextromethorphan side effects:
- Belly discomfort
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Trouble breathing
- Racing heart
Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, confusion
- Accidentally taking too much (overdose): feeling "high," hallucinations, fast heartbeat, slow breathing, seizures
The following Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headache
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GoodRx discount
$6.52
Pros and cons of Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
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
Pharmacist tips for Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
- Tell your provider if you have a long-lasting cough that's caused by cigarette smoke or bronchitis, a cough that's linked to a breathing problem (e.g., asthma, emphysema), or a cough with a lot of mucus. Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) might not be appropriate for these type of coughs.
- Please talk with your provider if your cough gets worse, comes back after clearing up, or lasts more than a week. Also let them know if you also have rash, fever, or headache. These might be signs of a more serious medical condition that can't be treated with Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan).
- For the extended-release tablets: Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Don't crush, break, or chew the tablets since it can change how the medication works.
- For the oral liquids, solutions, and syrups: Be sure to use the medication dose cup, spoon, or oral syringe that comes in the packaging to measure out your child's dose. Ask your pharmacy if you need extras. Don't use household spoons because they might not be accurate. Using household spoons might cause your child to take the wrong amount of Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan).
- For the dissolvable granules: Pour the entire contents of packet onto the tongue and swallow. Make sure you don't chew or crunch the granules because doing so can change how the medication tastes.
- Don't give Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) to toddlers to take without speaking to a provider because the medication can cause serious side effects in young children. Some safer options include using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer or giving your toddler ice chips or popsicles to suck on to soothe a sore throat.
- Guaifenesin and dextromethorphan can be found in many over-the-counter medications, so make sure you read package labels carefully. Don't use multiple products with these ingredients. In particular, taking too much dextromethorphan can cause serious side effects, such as fast heartbeat, slow breathing, confusion, or seizures.
- Keep Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) up and away and out of children's reach and sight. Always put medication away every time you use it. This prevents children from accidentally swallowing any medication that was left out. Call a Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if your child might’ve accidentally swallowed the medication, even if you aren't completely sure.
More on Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) tips
Risks and warnings for Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of overdose and misuse
- Risk factors: Taking with other similar medications
Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) contains two common ingredients that are found in many other over-the-counter products. Using more than one product with the same ingredients can lead to an accidental overdose that can be dangerous. In addition, some people might misuse dextromethorphan on purpose, which can lead to poisoning, especially if it's taken at high doses. This is why many retail stores require you to be over 18 years old to purchase products containing dextromethorphan.
Talk to your provider or pharmacist before you start Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) if you're not sure whether you're already taking a medication that has dextromethorphan or guaifenesin in it. To prevent an accidental overdose, carefully follow the product instructions on the package.
Call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you or anyone else might’ve accidentally taken too much Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan), even if you aren't completely sure. Also call the Poison Control Center or get medical help if you or someone else has trouble breathing, hallucinations, or changes in behavior after taking the medication because these can be signs that someone's taken too much.
Interactions with certain medications for Parkinson's disease and depression
Talk to your provider first before using Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) if you're taking or have recently taken medications for Parkinson's disease or depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications can interact with Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) and cause dangerously high blood pressure. This drug interaction can also lead to a rare, but serious side effect called serotonin syndrome. Ask your provider about other options to relieve your cough symptoms if you've taken these medications in the past two weeks.
Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - dissolvable granules only
The dissolvable granule formulation of Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) contain phenylalanine, a sweetener that's often added to medications. Phenylalanine is harmless to most people. But it can be dangerous to people with an inherited medical condition called phenylketonuria (PKU). Avoid using the dissolvable granules if you or your child has a history of PKU. Consider using the oral solution or tablet, which don't contain phenylalanine. Talk to a provider if you're not sure which products contain phenylalanine and which products are safer options before using any over-the-counter products.
Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) dosage
The average cost for 118 ml of 100mg/10mg/5ml of Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) is $7.01 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 15.24% off the average retail price of $8.27. 
Capsule
Ml of oral solution
Ml of syrup
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200mg/10mg | 20 capsules | $7.63 | $0.38 |
Ml of oral solution| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200mg/10mg/5ml | 473 ml | $12.27 | $0.03 |
| 200mg/20mg/10ml | 300 ml | $12.09 | $0.04 |
| 400mg/20mg/20ml | 118 ml | $6.85 | $0.06 |
| 200mg/20mg/20ml | 118 ml | $6.52 | $0.06 |
Ml of syrup| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100mg/10mg/5ml | 118 ml | $7.01 | $0.06 |
Typical dosage for Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
This medication is made by many different manufacturers in different formulations. These formulations can have different directions and strengths.
Follow the specific product instructions on the package or talk with your provider or pharmacist about how to take this medication correctly. Some examples are listed below:
Extended-release tablets
-
Regular strength (Mucinex DM and generic): Each tablet contains 600 mg of guaifenesin and 30 mg of dextromethorphan.
- People 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 or 2 tablets by mouth every 12 hours. Don't take more than 4 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Children under age 12: Don't use. Ask your child's provider for other options.
-
Maximum strength (Mucinex DM Maximum Strength and generic): Each tablet contains 1,200 mg of guaifenesin and 60 mg of dextromethorphan.
- People 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours. Don't take more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Children under age 12: Don't use. Ask your child's provider for other options.
Oral liquids
- Children’s Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM: Each teaspoon (5 mL) contains 50 mg of guaifenesin and 5 mg of dextromethorphan. Don't take more than 6 doses in a 24-hour period.
- People 12 years and older: The typical dose is 20 mL by mouth every 4 hours.
- Children 6 to 12 years: The typical dose is 10 mL by mouth every 4 hours.
- Children 4 to 6 years: The typical dose is 5 mL by mouth every 4 hours.
- Children under age 4: Don't use. Ask your child's provider for other options.
Oral granules
- Mucinex Children's Cough and Chest Congestion Mini-Melts: Each packet contains 100 mg of guaifenesin and 5 mg of dextromethorphan. Don't take more than 6 doses in a 24-hour period.
- People 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 to 4 packets by mouth every 4 hours.
- Children 6 to 12 years: The typical dose is 1 to 2 packets by mouth every 4 hours.
- Children 4 to 6 years: The typical dose is 1 packet by mouth every 4 hours.
- Children under age 4: Don't use. Ask your child's provider for other options.
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Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) reviews
GoodRx has partnered with to provide reviews on the different aspects of Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan).
Effectiveness
Learn more about the effectiveness of Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) based on real life experiences.
Overall Rating
Based on 2 people taking this medication
1.3
Effectiveness by condition:
fibromyalgia2 reviews
1.3
Side effects
Learn more about the side effects others have reported while taking Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan).
Severity of side effects
Based on 19 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Based on 19 people taking this medication
Sleepiness
11%
Fatigue
6%
Nausea
6%
Restlessness (akathisia)
6%
Usage
Review why people stop taking this medication and how long they take it.
Reasons people stopped taking Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
Based on 20 people who have taken this medication
Course of treatment ended
60%
Did not seem to work
15%
Doctor's advice
10%
Other
10%
Personal research
5%
How long people take Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
Based on 27 people who have taken this medication
0%
50%
100%
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How much does Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) cost?
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Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) (generic)
$6.52
Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) will not be safe for you to take.
- Currently take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days
What are alternatives to Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan)
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Mucinex DM Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
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Robitussin DM Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
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Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) images
