Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMucinex D vs Mucinex DM: What Are They and How Do They Work?Dosage Strengths and FormsMucinex D vs. Mucinex DM: Side EffectsDrug-Drug InteractionsSafety WarningsWhich One Is Right for You?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Mucinex D vs Mucinex DM: What Are They and How Do They Work?
Dosage Strengths and Forms
Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM: Side Effects
Drug-Drug Interactions
Safety Warnings
Which One Is Right for You?
Mucinex D (guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine) and Mucinex DM (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan) arecoughand cold products that contain two active ingredients each.
Both products have the active ingredient guaifenesin, which loosensphlegmand makes it easier to cough out.
They differ because Mucinex D also contains pseudoephedrine, a nasaldecongestant,while Mucinex DM contains dextromethorphan, acough suppressant.
Also, Mucinex DM is availableover-the-counter(OTC), while Mucinex D is sold behind the counter, requires ID, and can only be purchased in limited quantities without a prescription.
This article discusses the similarities and differences between Mucinex D and Mucinex DM.
Getty Images / AleksandarGeorgiev
Mucinex D contains guaifenesin, anexpectorant, and pseudoephedrine, a nasaldecongestant.
The guaifenesin helps loosen phlegm and thin secretions in the lungs to clear thebronchialpassageways of mucus and make coughs more productive.
Mucinex DM also contains guaifenesin, an expectorant, and dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, in each tablet.
The guaifenesin helps loosen phlegm and thins bronchial secretions to clear mucus and make coughs more productive, while the dextromethorphan suppresses the intensity of coughing and reduces the impulse to cough.
Mucinex D is available as an oral extended-release (ER) tablet. Depending on the dosage strength, it is recommended to take either one (1,200 milligrams/120 milligrams tablet) or two (600 milligrams/60-milligramtablet) every 12 hours. Because of its design, tablets must not be cut, crushed, or chewed.
Mucinex DM is available as an oral ER tablet. Depending on the dosage strength, it is recommended to take one (1,200 milligrams/60 mg tablet) or two (600 mg/30 mg tablet) every 12 hours. Like Mucinex D, these tablets must not be cut, crushed, or chewed.Mucinex DM is also available as an oral solution. It is marketed under Mucinex Fast-Max DM in cherry and honeyberry flavors. Each 20 milliliter contains 400 milligrams of guaifenesin and 20 milligrams of dextromethorphan.
Mucinex D and Mucinex DM are generally well tolerated at recommended doses. Side effects can occur, although you may not have any.
Common side effects that may be experienced with both Mucinex D and Mucinex DM include:
When taken at higher doses, Mucinex D and Mucinex DM can also cause kidney stones.
Mucinex D
Other side effects that may be experienced with Mucinex D include:
Serious side effects that may be experienced with Mucinex D include:
Mucinex DM
Other side effects that may be experienced with Mucinex DM include:
Serious side effects that may be experienced with Mucinex DM include:
Mucinex D and Mucinex DM should not be taken within 14 days of taking medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as:
When used with pseudoephedrine, MAOIs can increase the risk of severely high blood pressure. MAOIs can also interact with the dextromethorphan in Mucinex DM, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome.
While generally safe, these medications may not be appropriate in some situations.
Mucinex D contains a decongestant, so be cautious about using it and discuss it with your healthcare provider if you:
Mucinex DM might not be appropriate for these populations.
Due to limited research, the safety of these products when used during pregnancy has not been established. Healthcare providers may recommend avoiding taking guaifenesin in the first trimester of pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Stop taking the medication and contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve within seven days, recur, or occur with a fever, rash, or persistent headache.
Misuse WarningMucinex DPseudoephedrine, an active ingredient found in Mucinex D, can be used illegally to producemethamphetamine, also known as “meth,” a powerful, highly addictive stimulant. The use and abuse of methamphetamine can cause harmful effects such asirritability,nervousness,insomnia,nausea,depression, andbrain damage.Mucinex DMMucinex DM contains dextromethorphan, which can be abused in high doses to experience euphoria and visual and auditory hallucinations. Some of the many psychoactive effects associated are confusion, inappropriate laughter, agitation,paranoia, euphoria, hallucinations, and other sensory changes, including the feeling of floating and changes in hearing and touch.Long-term abuse is associated with severe addiction. The use of high doses in combination withalcoholor other drugs is particularly dangerous, with deaths reported.
Misuse Warning
Mucinex DPseudoephedrine, an active ingredient found in Mucinex D, can be used illegally to producemethamphetamine, also known as “meth,” a powerful, highly addictive stimulant. The use and abuse of methamphetamine can cause harmful effects such asirritability,nervousness,insomnia,nausea,depression, andbrain damage.Mucinex DMMucinex DM contains dextromethorphan, which can be abused in high doses to experience euphoria and visual and auditory hallucinations. Some of the many psychoactive effects associated are confusion, inappropriate laughter, agitation,paranoia, euphoria, hallucinations, and other sensory changes, including the feeling of floating and changes in hearing and touch.Long-term abuse is associated with severe addiction. The use of high doses in combination withalcoholor other drugs is particularly dangerous, with deaths reported.
Pseudoephedrine, an active ingredient found in Mucinex D, can be used illegally to producemethamphetamine, also known as “meth,” a powerful, highly addictive stimulant. The use and abuse of methamphetamine can cause harmful effects such asirritability,nervousness,insomnia,nausea,depression, andbrain damage.
Mucinex DM contains dextromethorphan, which can be abused in high doses to experience euphoria and visual and auditory hallucinations. Some of the many psychoactive effects associated are confusion, inappropriate laughter, agitation,paranoia, euphoria, hallucinations, and other sensory changes, including the feeling of floating and changes in hearing and touch.
Long-term abuse is associated with severe addiction. The use of high doses in combination withalcoholor other drugs is particularly dangerous, with deaths reported.
If you are experiencing a cough, deciding between Mucinex D and Mucinex DM may be a tough choice. Since these products contain guaifenesin, they help reduce chest congestion to move phlegm upwards and out.
Mucinex D is appropriate forproductive coughswith sinus congestion or a stuffy nose. The guaifenesin helps loosen phlegm and make coughs more productive, while the pseudoephedrine relieves nasal congestion, promotes nasal and/or sinus drainage, and relievessinus congestionand pressure.
Mucinex D contains a decongestant, so it should be used cautiously in those with heart disease or uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, hyperthyroidism, bowel obstruction, glaucoma, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and those 65 and older.Mucinex DM may be a more appropriate option in these populations.
Mucinex DM is more suitable for dry, unproductive cough or to suppress productive cough at night to allow for restful sleep, since the cough-suppressing effects persist for five to six hours after ingestion.
Sudafed vs. Mucinex: What’s the Difference?
Summary
Mucinex D and Mucinex DM are cough and cold products containing guaifenesin to loosen phlegm.
Although both Mucinex D and Mucinex DM are practical options for cough relief, deciding which one is best for you might depend on your cough type and other factors, including coexisting health conditions.
Mucinex D has pseudoephedrine and relieves productive coughs with congestion, while Mucinex DM contains dextromethorphan and helps relieve dry or unproductive coughs. Dextromethorphan–a cough suppressant–can cause hallucinations and euphoria at high doses, which increases the risk of abuse and dependence.
Because it contains pseudoephedrine–which can be used to produce meth–Mucinex D requires an ID to purchase, whereas Mucinex MD is available OTC.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, generic versions of both medications exist. The generic version of Mucinex D is pseudoephedrine/guaifenesin, and the generic version of Mucinex DM is dextromethorphan/guaifenesin.Mucinex DM contains two medications: Anexpectorantand acough suppressant. Mucinex DM can be taken either in the daytime or at nighttime. It will help reduce chest congestion and suppress cough at night, allowing for restful sleep.Mucinex D contains anexpectorantand adecongestant. The decongestant component can cause sleep disturbances/insomnia and is therefore not advised to be used at night.A product with DM at the end, such as Mucinex DM or Robitussin DM, contains dextromethorphan. Those with a D after the name, such as Mucinex D, usually contain a decongestant, such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, generic versions of both medications exist. The generic version of Mucinex D is pseudoephedrine/guaifenesin, and the generic version of Mucinex DM is dextromethorphan/guaifenesin.
Mucinex DM contains two medications: Anexpectorantand acough suppressant. Mucinex DM can be taken either in the daytime or at nighttime. It will help reduce chest congestion and suppress cough at night, allowing for restful sleep.Mucinex D contains anexpectorantand adecongestant. The decongestant component can cause sleep disturbances/insomnia and is therefore not advised to be used at night.
Mucinex DM contains two medications: Anexpectorantand acough suppressant. Mucinex DM can be taken either in the daytime or at nighttime. It will help reduce chest congestion and suppress cough at night, allowing for restful sleep.
Mucinex D contains anexpectorantand adecongestant. The decongestant component can cause sleep disturbances/insomnia and is therefore not advised to be used at night.
A product with DM at the end, such as Mucinex DM or Robitussin DM, contains dextromethorphan. Those with a D after the name, such as Mucinex D, usually contain a decongestant, such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Mucinex DM- guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet, extended release.DailyMed.Mucinex D label.DailyMed.Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride - drug summary.LaForce C, Gentile DA, Skoner DP.A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter, placebo-controlled study of the safety and efficacy of extended-release guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for symptom relief as an adjunctive therapy to antibiotic treatment of acute respiratory infections.Postgrad Med. 2008;120(2):53-59. doi:10.3810/pgm.2008.07.1791Assimos DG, Langenstroer P, Leinbach RF, Mandel NS, Stern JM, Holmes RP.Guaifenesin- and ephedrine-induced stones.J Endourol. 1999;13(9):665-667. doi:10.1089/end.1999.13.665Prescribers' Digital Reference.Dextromethorphan hydrobromide/guaifenesin - drug summary.MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan.Edinoff AN, Swinford CR, Odisho AS, et al.Clinically relevant drug interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.Health Psychol Res. 2022;10(4):39576. doi:10.52965/001c.39576Servey J, Chang J.Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy.AmFam Physician. 2014;90(8):548-555.Food and Drug Administration.Legal requirements for the sale and purchase of drug products containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamineDrug Enforcement Administration.DXM drug fact sheet.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Mucinex DM- guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet, extended release.DailyMed.Mucinex D label.DailyMed.Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride - drug summary.LaForce C, Gentile DA, Skoner DP.A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter, placebo-controlled study of the safety and efficacy of extended-release guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for symptom relief as an adjunctive therapy to antibiotic treatment of acute respiratory infections.Postgrad Med. 2008;120(2):53-59. doi:10.3810/pgm.2008.07.1791Assimos DG, Langenstroer P, Leinbach RF, Mandel NS, Stern JM, Holmes RP.Guaifenesin- and ephedrine-induced stones.J Endourol. 1999;13(9):665-667. doi:10.1089/end.1999.13.665Prescribers' Digital Reference.Dextromethorphan hydrobromide/guaifenesin - drug summary.MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan.Edinoff AN, Swinford CR, Odisho AS, et al.Clinically relevant drug interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.Health Psychol Res. 2022;10(4):39576. doi:10.52965/001c.39576Servey J, Chang J.Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy.AmFam Physician. 2014;90(8):548-555.Food and Drug Administration.Legal requirements for the sale and purchase of drug products containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamineDrug Enforcement Administration.DXM drug fact sheet.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed.Label: Mucinex DM- guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet, extended release.DailyMed.Mucinex D label.DailyMed.Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride - drug summary.LaForce C, Gentile DA, Skoner DP.A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter, placebo-controlled study of the safety and efficacy of extended-release guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for symptom relief as an adjunctive therapy to antibiotic treatment of acute respiratory infections.Postgrad Med. 2008;120(2):53-59. doi:10.3810/pgm.2008.07.1791Assimos DG, Langenstroer P, Leinbach RF, Mandel NS, Stern JM, Holmes RP.Guaifenesin- and ephedrine-induced stones.J Endourol. 1999;13(9):665-667. doi:10.1089/end.1999.13.665Prescribers' Digital Reference.Dextromethorphan hydrobromide/guaifenesin - drug summary.MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan.Edinoff AN, Swinford CR, Odisho AS, et al.Clinically relevant drug interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.Health Psychol Res. 2022;10(4):39576. doi:10.52965/001c.39576Servey J, Chang J.Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy.AmFam Physician. 2014;90(8):548-555.Food and Drug Administration.Legal requirements for the sale and purchase of drug products containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamineDrug Enforcement Administration.DXM drug fact sheet.
DailyMed.Label: Mucinex DM- guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet, extended release.
DailyMed.Mucinex D label.
DailyMed.Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution.
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride - drug summary.
LaForce C, Gentile DA, Skoner DP.A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter, placebo-controlled study of the safety and efficacy of extended-release guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for symptom relief as an adjunctive therapy to antibiotic treatment of acute respiratory infections.Postgrad Med. 2008;120(2):53-59. doi:10.3810/pgm.2008.07.1791
Assimos DG, Langenstroer P, Leinbach RF, Mandel NS, Stern JM, Holmes RP.Guaifenesin- and ephedrine-induced stones.J Endourol. 1999;13(9):665-667. doi:10.1089/end.1999.13.665
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Dextromethorphan hydrobromide/guaifenesin - drug summary.
MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan.
Edinoff AN, Swinford CR, Odisho AS, et al.Clinically relevant drug interactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.Health Psychol Res. 2022;10(4):39576. doi:10.52965/001c.39576
Servey J, Chang J.Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy.AmFam Physician. 2014;90(8):548-555.
Food and Drug Administration.Legal requirements for the sale and purchase of drug products containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine
Drug Enforcement Administration.DXM drug fact sheet.
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