Mucinex is a brand name for Guaifenesin, a non-prescription expectorant in the United States. It’s the only FDA-approved over-the-counter medicine that can reduce and loosen mucus in the respiratory tract, alleviate congestion, and facilitate easier coughing of phlegm. It’s typically used to temporarily relieve coughs caused by common cold, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
Mucinex may have side effects such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and skin rashes. Severe allergic reactions to the medication are rare. However, if any serious allergic reaction symptoms occur, including rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, prompt medical attention should be sought. The medication should be stored at room temperature and kept away from moisture, heat sources, and direct light.
In recent years, Mucinex has introduced several other formulas, including the following three commonly available options:
Mucinex and Mucinex DM (for Chest Congestion)
| Mucinex | Mucinex DM |
|---|---|
| Treats chest congestion | Treats cough and chest congestion |
| Lasts for 12 hrs | Lasts for 12 hrs |
| Tablets | Tablets |
| Day & Night | Day & Night |
| For 12 years + | For 12 years + |
| Guaifenesin | Guaifenesin Dextromethorphan |
The main difference is that they contain different active ingredients:
- Mucinex contains the single active ingredient Guaifenesin. It is typically used for temporary relief of coughs caused by common cold, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. Unless advised by a doctor, Mucinex should not be used for persistent coughs caused by smoking or long-term respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
- Mucinex-DM contains two active ingredients, Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant and is the active ingredient in the cough syrup brand Delsym. It works by directly acting on the cough center in the brain to suppress coughing. The combination of Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan is suitable for individuals experiencing coughs accompanied by throat inflammation and pain.
Extended release, 42 Tablets Guaifenesin 1200mg (Expectorant) | 
Extended release, 100 Tablets Guaifenesin 600mg (Expectorant) |
Extended release, 28 Tablets Guaifenesin 1200mg (Expectorant) Dextromethorphan 60mg (Cough Suppressant) | 
Extended release, 40 Tablets Guaifenesin 600mg (Expectorant) Dextromethorphan 30mg (Cough Suppressant) |
It is important to drink plenty of water during Mucinex use, as fluids help break down mucus and alleviate congestion. If stomach discomfort occurs after taking the medication, it can be taken with food.
Sinus-Max and InstaSoothe (for Nasopharyngitis)
| Mucinex InstaSoothe | Mucinex. SINUS-MAX |
|---|---|
| Treats sore throat | Nasal congestion, sinusitis |
| Lasts for 4 hours | Gel – 4 hours Spray – 12 hours |
| – Tablets – Spray | – Gel – Tablets – Spray |
| Daytime use | Daytime + Nighttime |
| 6 years+ | 12 years+ |
| Dextromethorphan Hexylresorcinol | Guaifenesin Phenylephrine HCl Acetaminophen |
- Phenylephrine HCl is a nasal decongestant that relieves nasal congestion and sinus congestion, as well as reduces sinus pressure.
- Hexylresorcinol is an over-the-counter local anesthetic used to temporarily relieve occasional oral and throat symptoms, including mild irritation, pain, oral discomfort, and sore throat.
- Acetaminophen is a commonly used pain reliever/fever reducer, marketed under the brand name Tylenol.
40 Lozenges Dextromethorphan 5mg (Cough Suppressant) Hexylresorcinol 2mg (Analgesic) | 
20 Tablets Guaifenesin 200mg (Expectorant) Phenylephrine HCl 5mg (Decongestant) Acetaminophen 325mg (Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer) |
Mucinex Children’s Multi-Symptom Cold Medicine
Mucinex Children’s Multi-Symptom Cold comes in two main options: Mucinex Children’s Multi-Symptom Cold Day/Night Formula and Mucinex Children’s FreeFrom. Both contain multiple ingredients to treat various cold symptom scenarios.
| Mucinex Children’s | Mucinex Children’s FreeFrom |
|---|---|
Day/Night (White + Black) 4 fl oz x 2 bottles | 
Children’s Cold Oral Solution 4 fl oz |
| Treats cold & flu. | Treats cold, flu, sore throat, cough |
| Lasts for 4 hours | Lasts for 4 hours |
| Drops | Drops |
| Daytime + Nighttime | Daytime use |
| Ages 6-11. | Ages 6-11. |
| Daytime Medicine: Guaifenesin (Expectorant) Dextromethorphan (Cough Suppressant) Phenylephrine HCl (Decongestant) Nighttime Medicine: Acetaminophen (Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer) Phenylephrine HCl (Nasal Congestion/Sneezing) Phenylephrine HCl (Decongestant) | Guaifenesin (Expectorant) Phenylephrine HCl (Decongestant) Acetaminophen (Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer) Dextromethorphan (Cough Suppressant) |
Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine used to relieve red, inflamed, itchy eyes; sneezing; runny nose due to pollen allergies, hay fever, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is also used to relieve mild throat or airway irritation-induced cough, prevent and treat motion sickness/nausea, and treat insomnia, among other uses.
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