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What is Mucinex: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Mucinex overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Allfen, Chest Congestion Relief, Children's Mucus Relief, Diabetic Siltussin DAS-Na, Diabetic Tussin, Equaline 12HR Mucus-ER, Equate Mucus ER, Geri-Tussin, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Children's Mucus Relief, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Mucus ER, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Mucus Relief, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Tab Tussin, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Tussin, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Tussin Chest Congestion, Good Sense Mucus Relief

Generic Names:

  • Mucinex

Uses:

  • Thins mucus so you can clear it from your head, throat, and lungs.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Expectorant

Forms:

  • Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Mucinex used for?

Guaifenesin ER is an expectorant that works by breaking down mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier. It is used for the temporary relief of coughs caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses.

What form(s) does Mucinex come in

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Long Acting Tablet

  • Liquid

What are common Mucinex doses?

  • Box 6 Tablets Extended Release 12 Hour

  • Box 20 Tablets Extended Release 12 Hour

  • Box 40 Tablets Extended Release 12 Hour

  • Box 68 Tablets Extended Release 12 Hour

  • Box 100 Tablets Extended Release 12 Hour

  • Bottle 500 Tablets Extended Release 12 Hour

Common Mucinex prescriptions

  • Mucinex
    100 tablets extended release 12 hour bottle

  • Mucinex
    120 tablets extended release 12 hour bottle

  • Mucinex
    14 tablets extended release 12 hour bottle

  • Mucinex
    180 tablets extended release 12 hour bottle

  • Mucinex
    20 tablets extended release 12 hour bottle

  • Mucinex
    40 tablets extended release 12 hour bottle

  • Mucinex
    500 tablets extended release 12 hour bottle

  • Mucinex
    60 tablets extended release 12 hour bottle

  • Mucinex
    100 tablets extended release 12 hour box

  • Mucinex
    20 tablets extended release 12 hour box

  • Mucinex
    40 tablets extended release 12 hour box

  • Mucinex
    6 tablets extended release 12 hour box

  • Mucinex
    68 tablets extended release 12 hour box

  • Mucinex
    72 tablets extended release 12 hour box

  • Mucinex
    600mg tablet extended release 12 hour

How to take Mucinex

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Mucinex

  • You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Mucinex contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to guaifenesin. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

Mucinex warnings

  • This medicine may contain alcohol.

  • If you are pregnant or breast feeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.

  • If your cough is caused by asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or smoking, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

Mucinex interactions

  • If you are pregnant or breast feeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.

  • If your cough is caused by asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or smoking, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • This medicine may contain alcohol.

Mucinex side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Cough that lasts longer than 7 days.

  • Cough with fever, skin rash, or ongoing headache.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Drowsiness.

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain.

Mucinex News & Research

Drug Info

Can you take ibuprofen with Mucinex?

Apr 17, 2024  by Chad Shaffer, MD
Guaifenesin can boost pain relief when taken with NSAIDs like Ibuprofen. Discover the dosages and potential interactions of these two drugs here.
...
Drug Info

Can you drink on Mucinex?

Jan 4, 2024  by Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D.
It’s not recommended to mix Mucinex and alcohol because it may increase the risk and severity of side effects or liver damage. Here’s what you should know.
...
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Mucinex (guaifenesin) alternatives: What can I take instead of Mucinex?

Aug 11, 2023  by Karen Berger, Pharm.D.
Guaifenesin, Mucinex DM, Diabetic Tussin, Tessalon, and Coricidin HBP are some Mucinex alternatives. Get the full list here.
...
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Sudafed vs. Mucinex: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

Dec 16, 2019  by Karen Berger, Pharm.D.
Sudafed vs. Mucinex. Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine and is used for nasal congestion or a stuffy nose. Mucinex contains guaifenesin and is used to loosen chest congestion.
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Pregnancy safe cold medicines include Tylenol, Sudafed, Robitussin, Mucinex, Benadryl, and Claritin. Learn which meds to avoid during pregnancy.
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People with high blood pressure and heart problems should avoid decongestants and cold medicine containing NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen.
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