Coughs and colds are the worst. When you’re stuffed up and coughing, you want relief, and fast. Luckily, there are many over-the-counter medications available to help you manage your symptoms.
Two popular choices are Mucinex D and Mucinex DM. But what’s the difference? And which one is right for you?
This article provides a detailed comparison of Mucinex D and Mucinex DM, including their ingredients, uses, side effects, and warnings, so you can make an informed decision when you’re standing in the pharmacy aisle, trying to figure out which one is best for your cough and cold symptoms.
What are Mucinex D and Mucinex DM, and how do they work?
Both Mucinex D and Mucinex DM are designed to relieve symptoms of a cold or upper respiratory infection, but they work in slightly different ways.
Active ingredients
The “D” in Mucinex D stands for decongestant. Mucinex D contains guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine.
- Guaifenesin is an expectorant that thins and loosens the mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough up. It increases the amount of fluid in your trachea and bronchial tubes and makes the mucus less sticky.
- Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks the blood vessels in your nasal passages to relieve stuffiness and congestion.
Mucinex DM contains guaifenesin and dextromethorphan.
- Guaifenesin functions the same way it does in Mucinex D, as an expectorant.
- Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that acts on the cough center in the brain to reduce the urge to cough.
Availability
Because it contains pseudoephedrine, Mucinex D is kept behind the pharmacy counter, and you’ll need to show ID to purchase it. Pseudoephedrine is an ingredient that can be used to illegally manufacture methamphetamine.
Mucinex DM is available over the counter.
Dosage Strengths and Forms
Mucinex D and Mucinex DM both come in different strengths and forms, so it’s important to read the label carefully.
Mucinex D Dosage
- Available in 600 mg guaifenesin/60 mg pseudoephedrine and 1200 mg guaifenesin/120 mg pseudoephedrine
- Typical dosage: 2 tablets every 12 hours for the lower strength, 1 tablet every 12 hours for the higher strength
Mucinex DM Dosage
- Available in 600 mg guaifenesin/30 mg dextromethorphan and 1200 mg guaifenesin/60 mg dextromethorphan
- Typical dosage: 2 tablets every 12 hours for the lower strength, 1 tablet every 12 hours for the higher strength
Mucinex DM also comes as a liquid. For example, Mucinex Fast-Max DM contains 400 mg guaifenesin and 20 mg dextromethorphan per dose. The typical dose is 20 mL every 4 hours as needed.
Important: Always carefully follow the dosage instructions. Taking more than the recommended dose can increase the risk of side effects.
Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM: Side Effects
Like all medications, Mucinex D and Mucinex DM can cause side effects. Here’s what to look out for:
Mucinex D Side Effects
The most common side effects are pretty mild: dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headache, or rash. But Mucinex D can also cause more serious side effects such as anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia, heart palpitations, or tremor.
That’s because of the pseudoephedrine in Mucinex D. Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant, and stimulants can have effects on your cardiovascular and neurological systems.
Mucinex DM Side Effects
The more common side effects of Mucinex DM are similar to those of Mucinex D: dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headache, or rash. You might also experience constipation or stomach pain.
Dextromethorphan, one of the active ingredients in Mucinex DM, can affect your central nervous system. In some cases, it can cause confusion or, in rare instances, hallucinations.
Drug interactions
Both Mucinex D and Mucinex DM can interact with other medications, leading to unwanted side effects. It’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about everything else you take before using either of these drugs.
MAOIs
Don’t take Mucinex D or Mucinex DM if you’ve used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the past two weeks. This combination can cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Antidepressants
The dextromethorphan in Mucinex DM can also interact with some antidepressants, increasing your risk of serotonin syndrome.
Other medications
The pseudoephedrine in Mucinex D can affect your blood pressure, so be careful if you’re taking blood pressure medications. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about other potential drug interactions.
Safety warnings
As with any medication, it’s important to be aware of potential safety concerns.
- Pre-existing conditions: Talk to your doctor before taking Mucinex or Mucinex DM if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, or glaucoma.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It’s best to avoid Mucinex during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks, especially in the first trimester. If you’re breastfeeding, check with your healthcare provider before using either medication.
- Duration of use: If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after 7 days, stop taking the medication and contact your healthcare provider.
Misuse warning
Both pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan have a risk of misuse.
Pseudoephedrine, an ingredient in Mucinex D, can be used to make methamphetamine (meth). Because of this risk, Mucinex D is often kept behind the pharmacy counter, and you may need to show identification to purchase it.
Dextromethorphan, an ingredient in Mucinex DM, can be misused for its hallucinogenic effects. High doses of dextromethorphan can cause hallucinations, euphoria, and a feeling of being disconnected from your body and mind.
Which one is right for you?
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- Mucinex D: This is your best bet if you have a productive cough and a stuffy nose. It’s designed to loosen phlegm while also clearing up congestion.
- Mucinex DM: Choose this one if you have a dry cough. It’s formulated to suppress the cough reflex when you’re not bringing up any mucus.
Keep in mind your existing health issues. If you have high blood pressure or anxiety, Mucinex D might not be the best choice because of the decongestant.
If you’re unsure, talking to a doctor or pharmacist can help you choose the best medication based on your specific health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should avoid Mucinex DM?
Mucinex DM is not for everyone. Folks with a known allergy to guaifenesin or dextromethorphan should steer clear. If you’re currently taking an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) or have taken one in the past two weeks, Mucinex DM is a no-go due to potential serious drug interactions.
Are there certain medical conditions where Mucinex DM is not recommended?
Yep, there are. If you have a persistent or chronic cough, like from smoking, asthma, or emphysema, Mucinex DM might not be the best choice. Also, people with liver or kidney problems should use it with caution and ideally consult their doctor first.
Can children take Mucinex DM?
Generally, Mucinex DM isn’t recommended for children under 12 years old. Always check the specific product label and talk to your pediatrician before giving any cough and cold medicine to a child, as some ingredients can be harmful or ineffective for young kids.
Are there any risks associated with taking Mucinex DM with other medications?
Definitely. Mucinex DM can interact with other medications, especially those that affect the central nervous system, like antidepressants, sedatives, and pain relievers. Combining these with Mucinex DM can increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Always let your doctor or pharmacist know about all the medications you’re taking.
What are the potential side effects of Mucinex DM?
Common side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Some people may also experience stomach upset or headache. If you experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction, stop taking Mucinex DM and seek medical attention immediately.
In Conclusion
The main difference between Mucinex D and Mucinex DM is that Mucinex D contains pseudoephedrine to clear up congestion, while Mucinex DM contains dextromethorphan to quiet a cough.
Before you take either Mucinex D or Mucinex DM, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can tell you whether either of these medications is safe for you, given your health history and any other medications or supplements you take.
Finally, be sure to take these medications exactly as directed. Misuse of either Mucinex D or Mucinex DM can lead to significant and sometimes dangerous side effects.