If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. When you need some help shaking that chest congestion, Mucinex and Mucinex DM are two over-the-counter drugs that might help. Which one do you reach for? Mucinex and Mucinex DM both contain the drug guaifenesin. This is an expectorant. It helps loosen mucus from your lungs so that your coughs are more productive.
A productive cough brings up the mucus that causes chest congestion. This helps you breathe better. It also makes it easier for you to get rid of germs that may be trapped in the mucus that you cough up.
Mucinex DM contains an additional drug called dextromethorphan. This drug helps control your cough. It works by affecting signals in your brain that trigger your cough reflex. This lessens your coughing.
Both Mucinex and Mucinex DM are available as tablets you take by mouth. You can take one or two tablets of either drug every 12 hours. For either drug, you should not take more than four tablets in 24 hours. The tablets should not be used in people younger than 12 years. Shop for Mucinex. Mucinex and Mucinex DM tablets also both come in maximum-strength versions. These medicines contain double the amount of active ingredients.
You should take no more than one maximum-strength tablet every 12 hours. Do not take more than two tablets in 24 hours. Shop for Mucinex DM. The packaging for the regular-strength and maximum-strength products is similar.
There is also a liquid version of Mucinex DM available, but only in the maximum-strength form. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to decide which form is right for you.
Mucinex DM liquid is only for people 12 years or older. Shop for liquid Mucinex DM. There are Mucinex liquid products that are made especially for children 4 to 11 years of age. Most people tolerate these medications very well. However, at higher dosages, the likelihood of side effects from the drugs in Mucinex and Mucinex DM increases. The chart below lists examples of possible side effects of Mucinex and Mucinex DM.
These drugs are called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. Examples of these drugs include:. The interaction between these drugs and Mucinex DM can cause a serious reaction known as serotonin syndrome. This reaction can be life threatening. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:. Keep reading: Serotonin syndrome symptoms, treatment, and more ». Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.
Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up. Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child.
Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device not a kitchen spoon. Drink extra fluids to help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat while you are taking this medicine. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches. If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.
Since dextromethorphan and guaifenesin is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time. Health Topics. Health Tools. Generic Name: Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. Reviewed: June 23, Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have: a cough with mucus; or asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. Side Effects.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: mood changes; severe headache; or severe dizziness or anxiety, feeling like you might pass out;.
Common side effects may include: dizziness, drowsiness; sleep problems insomnia ; diarrhea; or feeling nervous, restless, anxious, or irritable;.
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