Both Sudafed and Mucinex can be very effective in their respective treatments; however, when choosing a medication for yourself, it is always best to check with your healthcare provider who has your full medical history and can help you select the most appropriate medication.
Sudafed is not typically covered by insurance or Medicare Part D. Mucinex is also not typically covered by insurance or Medicare Part D. You can use a SingleCare card to save on Sudafed or Mucinex. Common side effects of Sudafed include nervousness, restlessness, and trouble sleeping. Less common side effects may include headache, increased heartbeat, or painful urination.
With Mucinex, side effects are rare but may include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, or nausea. Whether you take Sudafed or Mucinex, be sure to follow the package directions and do not exceed the maximum recommended dose. If you have side effects that are bothersome, stop the medication and consult your healthcare provider. Patients who take a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor MAOI , such as selegiline or tranylcypromine , should not use Sudafed at the same time, or for two weeks after stopping the MAOI.
Sudafed also interacts with certain antidepressants such as Elavil amitriptyline or Desyrel trazodone. You should also check with your doctor if you take certain drugs such as Xanax alprazolam , headache medication such as Fioricet, ADHD medications, and painkillers. The list of medications that may potentially interact with Sudafed is too long to list here; consult your healthcare provider for more information.
Mucinex guaifenesin alone does not have any significant drug interactions, but there are drug interactions with the combination products that contain guaifenesin with other medications , such as Mucinex-DM or Mucinex-D. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance. Sudafed has some warnings to be mindful of. It may cause nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness.
As stated above, if you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor MAOI , such as selegiline or tranylcypromine, do not take Sudafed. If you have certain health conditions, you should check with your doctor before using Sudafed. These include heart problems, high blood pressure hypertension , thyroid disease, diabetes, or enlarged prostate.
Sudafed should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy. You may be able to use Sudafed pseudoephedrine in the second or third trimester but would need to consult your healthcare provider.
Sudafed may be used occasionally while breastfeeding, but only if your doctor approves. Sudafed-PE phenylephrine should not be used during pregnancy. Mucinex also has several warnings.
You should consult your healthcare provider before using Mucinex if you have a persistent or chronic cough like the type that occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema; or a cough accompanied by a very large amount of mucus.
Mucinex extended-release tablets should not be crushed or chewed. The tablet should be taken with a full glass of water. Mucinex may be used in pregnancy, and with caution during breastfeeding, as long as your healthcare provider approves.
Children under age four should not take cold medications such as Sudafed or Mucinex. Consult your healthcare provider for advice. Sudafed or Mucinex can be helpful in managing symptoms; however, they do not treat bacterial infections, such as a sinus infection.
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. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.
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Updated July 15, Guaifenesin Oral Route. PubMed Health website. Updated October 1, Rubin, BK. Mucolytics, Expectorants, and Mucokinetic Medications. Respiratory Care. Related Articles. Allergy Cough.
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