What do Mucinex products treat?
Mucinex products are commonly used to treat cough, cold, and flu symptoms. Some Mucinex products are used to relieve symptoms caused by allergies. Mucinex products may contain a variety of active ingredients, depending on the symptoms you want to treat. Click on an ingredient below if you need more information about it.
- Pain reliever/fever reducer (acetaminophen), which is used for fever and pain, including headaches, body aches, and sore throat, or naproxen, which is also used to relieve pain and reduce fever
- Decongestant (phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline), which reduces swelling, inflammation, and congestion in your nose and sinuses, allowing you to breathe better
- Antihistamine (triprolidine), which can help with a runny nose, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, and itching of the nose and throat
- Cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), which reduces the urge to cough
- Expectorant (guaifenesin), which loosens mucus and breaks up chest congestion
- Mouth pain reliever (hexylresorcinol, menthol, benzocaine), which helps with mouth and throat pain and canker sores
What is the difference between Mucinex DM vs. Mucinex D?
Mucinex DM and Mucinex D contain different ingredients that target different symptoms.
- Mucinex DM: The “DM” in the name stands for dextromethorphan, a medicine that helps control coughing. It also contains guaifenesin, which helps thin mucus and loosen chest congestion.
- Mucinex D: These products contain guaifenesin to thin mucus plus pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that helps relieve nasal and sinus congestion. It does not contain a cough suppressant. Mucinex D products are typically kept behind the pharmacy counter.
In general, Mucinex DM is better for a cough, while Mucinex D is better for sinus congestion. To decide which option may be right for you, or to make sure either one is a safe choice, talk with a health care provider or pharmacist.
What are the possible side effects of Mucinex products?
Mucinex products are usually well tolerated. Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using.
Mucinex Nighttime or Nightshift products can make you sleepy. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking these products until you know how these products will affect you. Do not drink alcohol while taking these specific products. Before taking a Nighttime or Nightshift Mucinex product, tell your health care provider if you are taking a medicine that can make you sleepy such as a sedative or tranquilizer. These products may have the opposite effect in kids and may cause excitability.
Mucinex 12 HR Cold & Fever Multi-Symptom contains naproxen (naproxen sodium), which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Common side effects of naproxen may include stomach upset or stomach pain. Taking your dose with food or milk can help with this.
Stop taking the medicine if you break out in a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Which Mucinex product is right for my symptoms?
Here are some factors you can use to decide which Mucinex product is right for you.
- Symptoms. Mucinex products contain a variety of ingredients, which may help treat different symptoms. You should take a product that only has the ingredients needed to treat your symptoms. Check the label and ask your pharmacist or another health care provider if you are not sure which medicines are best for your symptoms.
- Dosage Forms and Flavors. Mucinex products come in various forms, including a tablet, capsule, caplet, liquid, nasal spray, cough drop, and throat spray. You may prefer one form or flavor over another.
- Daytime or Nighttime Use. There are Mucinex products that can be used during the day and products that can be used at night (because they may cause sleepiness).
- Where to Buy. Mucinex D products contain an ingredient called pseudoephedrine. These medicines are usually sold at the pharmacy counter. Other Mucinex products are available over the counter.
Cough and chest congestion
| Product | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Mucinex Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets | Guaifenesin |
Maximum Strength Mucinex Extended- Release Bi-Layer Tablets | Guaifenesin |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex DM Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets | Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin |
| Mucinex DM Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets | Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin |
Mucinex Cough & Chest Congestion Fast-Release Liquid Gels | Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max Liquid | Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin |
| Maximum Strength Fast-Max DM Max Honey & Berry Flavor Liquid | Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin |
Cough and stuffy nose
| Product | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cough Caplets | Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cough Liquid | Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
Cough, stuffy nose, and sinus congestion
| Product | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Maximum Strength Mucinex D Extended-Release Tablets | Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine |
| Mucinex D Extended-Release Bi-Layer Tablets | Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine
|
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Sinus-Max Pressure, Pain, & Cough Liquid Gels | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Sinus-Max Pressure, Pain, & Cough Caplets | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
Maximum Strength Mucinex Sinus-Max Severe Congestion & Pain Liquid Gels | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine |
Maximum Strength Mucinex Sinus-Max Severe Congestion & Pain Caplets | Acetaminophen, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Sinus-Max Severe Congestion, & Pain Liquid | Acetaminophen, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Nightshift Sinus Caplets | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine |
| Mucinex Nightshift Sinus Liquid | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine |
Runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, throat, or eyes
These products also contain an antihistamine to help with symptoms.
| Product | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Nightshift Cold & Flu Caplets | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and triprolidine |
| Mucinex Nightshift Cold & Flu Liquid | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and triprolidine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Nightshift Sinus Caplets | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Nightshift Severe Cold & Flu All-In-One Caplets | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine |
| Mucinex Nightshift Sinus Liquid | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Nightshift Severe Cold & Flu All-In-One Liquid | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine |
Multi-symptom cold and flu
| Product | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu, and Sore Throat Caplets | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast Max Cold & Flu All-In-One Liquid Gels | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu, and Sore Throat Caplets | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold & Flu All-In-One Caplets | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold, Flu, and Sore Throat Liquid | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Cold & Flu All-In-One Liquid (Available in orange-pineapple flavor and without flavor) | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast-Max Kickstart Severe Cold & Flu Liquid | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine |
| Mucinex Cold & Flu Fast Release Liquid Gels | Acetaminophen and guaifenesin |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Nightshift Cold & Flu Caplets | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and triprolidine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Rapid + Clear Pain, Headache, and Cough Caplets | Acetaminophen and dextromethorphan |
Maximum Strength Mucinex Rapid + Clear Pain, Headache, & Mucus Congestion Caplets | Acetaminophen and guaifenesin |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Nightshift Severe Cold & Flu All-In-One Caplets | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine |
| Maximum Strength Mucinex Nightshift Severe Cold & Flu All-In-One Liquid | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine |
| Mucinex Nightshift Cold & Flu Liquid | Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and triprolidine |
| Mucinex 12 HR Cold & Fever Multi-Symptom | Dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, naproxen |
Sore throat and sore mouth (throat spray products)
These products are alcohol-free.
| Product | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Mucinex Instasoothe Sore Throat + Pain Relief Spray | Benzocaine and menthol |
| Mucinex Instasoothe Kickstart Sore Throat Spray | Benzocaine and menthol |
Oral drop products
| Product | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Mucinex Instasoothe Sore Throat + Cough Relief Drops | Dextromethorphan and hexylresorcinol |
| Mucinex Instasoothe Sore Throat + Soothing Comfort Drops | Hexylresorcinol |
| Mucinex Instasoothe Sore Throat + Pain Relief Drops | Hexylresorcinol |
Nasal spray products
Before using a Mucinex nasal spray containing oxymetazoline, shake the nasal spray.
| Product | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Mucinex Sinus-Max Severe Nasal Congestion Relief Clear & Cool Nasal Spray | Oxymetazoline |
| Mucinex Sinus-Max Severe Nasal Congestion Sinus & Allergy Nasal Spray | Oxymetazoline |
| Mucinex Sinus Saline Nasal Spray | Contains no medicine, but contains saline (a mixture of salt and water) |
What should I know before using Mucinex products?
Mucinex tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
Do not use Mucinex nasal (nose) spray products for more than 3 days. This can cause your congestion to come back or to get worse. Do not share Mucinex nasal products with anyone else; this can increase the risk of spreading an infection.
Check with a health care provider before using a Mucinex product if you have any of the following conditions.
- Liver disease
- Glaucoma
- Cough with excessive mucus
- Breathing problems, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
- Trouble peeing, if you have problems with your prostate
- Long-term cough or a cough that keeps coming back, asthma, or emphysema
- Are on a low-sodium diet
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Thyroid problems
- Diabetes
Check with a health care provider before using a Mucinex product that contains an NSAID if you have any of the conditions listed above or below.
- Bleeding problems
- Kidney problems
- Heartburn, stomach bleeding, or stomach ulcers
- Stroke
- Recent or upcoming heart surgery
Stop taking Mucinex and talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Pain, cough, or nasal congestion that gets worse or lasts for 7 days
- A fever that lasts for 3 days or gets worse
- Redness or swelling
- New symptoms
- Symptoms do not get better within 7 days, or you get a fever
- A cough that keeps coming back or happens with a fever, rash, or lasting headache
- Nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness
Mucinex products that contain dextromethorphan or a decongestant such as phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, or oxymetazoline should not be used if you are taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI. An MAOI is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease. If you do not know if your prescription medicine contains an MAOI, ask your health care provider or pharmacist before taking a Mucinex product. Before taking a Mucinex product, tell your health care provider if you are taking a blood thinner (such as warfarin).
Mucinex 12 HR Cold & Fever Multi-Symptom contains naproxen (naproxen sodium), which is an NSAID. If you are allergic to aspirin or take other NSAID medicines (such as ibuprofen), check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. NSAIDs may cause stomach bleeding. Your risk may be higher if you are 60 or older, have had stomach bleeding or ulcers, take other NSAIDs or blood thinner medicines, drink 3 or more servings of alcohol per day, or if you take this medicine in higher doses or for a long time. Stop taking this product and get medical care right away if you faint, vomit blood, have bloody or black poop, or have stomach pain that does not go away.
If you are taking Mucinex products for a sore throat and also get a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting for more than 2 days, call your health care provider. If you are taking a Mucinex product that is not indicated for a fever, stop taking the medicine and call your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better within 7 days or if you get a fever.
If you are taking a Mucinex cough drop or throat spray, stop taking the product and talk to your health care provider or dentist if you have any of the following.
- Sore mouth symptoms do not get better after 7 days
- Mouth or throat irritation, pain, or redness gets worse
- Swelling, redness, rash, or fever
- A cough that lasts for 7 days or more, comes back, or happens with a fever, rash, or lasting headache
Mucinex throat spray products may cause a rare blood disorder called methemoglobinemia, which can cause your blood to carry less oxygen to your tissues. Stop using the throat spray and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Pale or discolored skin
- Headache
- Fast heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Tiredness or lack of energy
If you are taking a Mucinex liquid, use the dosing cup provided with the medicine. Do not use a household spoon, as this may cause you to take the wrong amount of medicine. Do not use the same dosing cup that you are using to measure out Mucinex liquid to measure out other medicines. Use a different dosing cup for each liquid medicine you are taking.
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Mucinex product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help decide which products are safe for you.