What is the difference between mucinex and robitussin

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This product contains acetaminophen; do not take it with other medicines that also contain acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is contained in many medicines to treat pain, fever, symptoms of cold and flu, and sleep medicines. If you have liver or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen.

Do not take more than the recommended dose, as this may be harmful, including serious harm to your liver. It essentially is a reflex that keeps your airways clear from mucus and irritants such as dust or smoke. Certain Robitussin products help your body cough more effectively and bring your cough under control. By using two key ingredients:. One of the main coughing culprits is mucus. Normally, mucus in the body is thin and fluid. Why might one medication be a better choice for you than the other?

The active ingredient in Robitussin and Mucinex DM products, dextromethorphan, is an antitussive, or cough suppressant. It stops your urge to cough and helps reduce coughing caused by slight irritation in your throat and lungs.

Managing your cough may help you sleep. Once thinned, the mucus loosens up so you can cough it up and out. Robitussin and Mucinex both come as an oral liquid and oral tablets, depending on the specific product.

In addition, Robitussin is available as liquid-filled capsules. Mucinex also comes in the form of oral granules, which are called mini-melts. Dextromethorphan, which is in Robitussin and Mucinex DM, may be safe to use while pregnant. Still, check with your doctor before taking it. More research is needed on using dextromethorphan while breastfeeding. Guaifenesin, the active ingredient in Mucinex and several Robitussin products, has not been adequately tested in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For other options, check out how to treat a cold or flu when pregnant. Side effects from dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are uncommon when taking the recommended dose, but they may still include:. Not everyone experiences side effects with Robitussin or Mucinex.

Do not use medications with dextromethorphan, including Robitussin and Mucinex DM, if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor MAOI within the past 2 weeks. If you take other medications or supplements, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Robitussin or Mucinex.

Either one may affect the way some medications work. You should also never take Robitussin and Mucinex products that have the same active ingredients at the same time.

Not only will this not resolve your symptoms any faster, but it could also lead to an overdose. Taking too much guaifenesin can cause nausea and vomiting. An overdose of dextromethorphan may lead to the same symptoms, as well as:. Sudafed contains a nasal decongestant called pseudoephedrine.

It helps relieve a stuffy nose due to the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. Mucinex contains an expectorant called guaifenesin. Guaifenesin helps thin and loosen up chest congestion when you have a phlegmy, or productive, cough.

Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine and is used for nasal congestion or a stuffy nose. Mucinex contains guaifenesin and is used to loosen chest congestion. Each medication is used for a different purpose.

If you are experiencing nasal congestion, and you do not have any of the health conditions listed in the warnings above, you may want to take Sudafed. And if you are coughing up a lot of phlegm, you may want to take Mucinex.

Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Generally, Sudafed cannot be taken in the first trimester but can be taken occasionally during the second and third trimester provided you do not have heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.

Sudafed-PE phenylephrine is not recommended in pregnancy. Mucinex can usually be used safely in pregnancy. Again, be sure to check with your doctor before using Sudafed or Mucinex while pregnant. It is best to avoid alcohol while taking these medications.

Some forms of Sudafed or Mucinex come as a combination medication, with several medications in one. Alcohol can intensify the effect of some of these medications, worsen side effects, and cause additional impairment. It is safer to wait until you are feeling better before drinking alcohol.

You can take them both together if you have nasal congestion as well as a phlegmy cough. It depends on what symptoms you are experiencing. If you feel like you have a lot of phlegm, Mucinex may be worth a try. If the drip is accompanied by nasal congestion, you can try Sudafed. You can also try to use a humidifier in your room, drink a lot of fluids, use a nasal irrigation solution, and sleep with your head propped up on pillows. Mucinex is considered a chest decongestant because it loosens up mucus and helps you cough it up.

It is not helpful if you have a stuffy nose or nasal congestion. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Sudafed vs. Mucinex: Differences, similarities and which is better for you. By Karen Berger, Pharm.

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