Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRobitussin vs. Mucinex: Product TypesDosageWhich Is Better: Mucinex or Robitussin?Side EffectsDrug InteractionsHow to Choose the Right Medication
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Robitussin vs. Mucinex: Product Types
Dosage
Which Is Better: Mucinex or Robitussin?
Side Effects
Drug Interactions
How to Choose the Right Medication
This article compares the similarities and differences between Robitussin and Mucinex.
Getty Images /Smith Collection/Gado/ Contributor
Robitussin is a cough suppressant that contains two active ingredients: dextromethorphan and guafenesin. It is available over the counter (OTC) in various products, including:
Mucinex works as an expectorant. It thins and loosens the mucus in the lungs and throat to make it easier to cough up phlegm. Unlike Robitussin, Mucinex contains only one active ingredient: guaifenesin.
Mucinex comes in the following OTC products:
Typical Dosing for Robitussin and Mucinex Products
The table below compares the dosing requirements for Robitussin and Mucinex products.
Robitussin and Mucinex are both effective at relieving cough and congestion symptoms. However, they will not treat the underlying cause of the cough.
When deciding between Robitussin and Mucinex, look at the active ingredients to see if they will effectively treat your symptoms.
Mucinex contains guaifenesin, an expectorant, which thins and loosens mucus. This is most helpful if you have a productive cough. A productive cough is one that brings up mucus. Mucinex thins and loosens the mucus to help push it upward and out.
Robitussin also contains the ingredient dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant. For this reason, Robitussin is better suited to treat adry coughbecause it reduces coughing and helps you sleep at night. A dry cough does not produce or bring up mucus.
While taking Robitussin or Mucinex, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Fluids can help loosen mucus or phlegm in your lungs and clear up congestion.
Both Robitussin and Mucinex share similar side effects. They are:
Side effects specific to dextromethorphan are:
Side effects specific to guaifenesin are:
Are Robitussin and Mucinex Safe for Pregnancy?
Robitussin and Mucinex are generally safe to use during pregnancy at standard OTC doses. However, both products should be taken only when the benefits outweigh the risks—that is, when they are absolutely necessary.
Make sure to read all of the ingredients, especially in combination cough and cold medication products. Some products may contain alcohol, which should be avoided during pregnancy.
Robitussin and Mucinex should be avoided with these medications:
Do not take dextromethorphan with (or after two weeks of stopping) antidepressant medications like MAOIs.
This can cause rapid changes in your blood pressure, restlessness, anddiarrhea.Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking these medications.
When deciding whether to choose Robitussin or Mucinex, you may consider several different factors, such as:
Mucinex D vs Mucinex DM: What’s the Difference?
Summary
Robitussin and Mucinex are two OTC medicines that can help relieve chest congestion.
These medicines have different active ingredients: Robitussin contains dextromethorphan, while Mucinex contains guaifenesin.
It is important to note that these medications target different symptoms, so choosing between them depends on personal preferences, associated symptoms, and medical history.
Before taking either medication, it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist, especially if you have concerns about how they may interact with other medications or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
The author would like to recognize and thank Chinonso Lloyd Paul for contributing to this article.
18 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.
MedlinePlus.Dextromethorphan.
MedlinePlus.Guaifenesin.
Albrecht HH, Dicpinigaitis PV, Guenin EP.Role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections.Multidiscip Respir Med. 2017;12:31. doi:10.1186/s40248-017-0113-4
DailyMed.Label: Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief- dextromethorphan polistirex suspension, extended release.
DailyMed.Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough Plus Chest Congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin capsule, liquid filled.
DailyMed.Label: Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough Plus Chest Congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide, guaifenesin solution.
DailyMed.Robitussin Cough Plus Chest Congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution.
DailyMed.Label: Robitussin Long-Acting Cough Gels- dextromethorphan hydrobromide capsule, liquid filled.
DailyMed.Label: Children’s Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin liquid.
DailyMed.Label: Mucinex- guaifenesin tablet, extended release.
DailyMed.Label: Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Congestion and Cough- guaifenesin, phenylephrine hydrochloride, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet, film coated.
Sharma V, Sharma A, Kumar V, Aggarwal S.Disulfiram-like reaction with ornidazole.Journal of postgraduate medicinevol. 55,4 (2009): 292-3. doi:10.4103/0022-3859.58940
Drug Enforcement Administration.DXM drug fact sheet.
Erebara A, Bozzo P, Einarson A, Koren G.Treating the common cold during pregnancy.Can Fam Physician. 2008;54(5):687-689.
Ho MP, Yo CH, Liu CM, et al.Refractive hypotension in a patient with disulfiram-ethanol reaction.Am J Med Sci. 2007;333(1):53-55. doi:10.1097/00000441-200701000-00007
DailyMed.Label: Solosec- secnidazole granule.
MedlinePlus.Serotonin syndrome.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies
