Compare Delsym vs. Mucinex DM
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Relieves coughing.
Delsym (Dextromethorphan) is a good option for treating dry cough. It's not safe to take with MAO inhibitors though.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 127 reviewsforDelsym
Breaks up mucus and relieves cough.
Mucinex Dm (Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin) is okay for loosening congestion in your chest and throat, but it could prevent you from coughing the mucus up. It comes as an extended-release tablet and a short-acting liquid.
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3.9/ 5 average rating with 15 reviewsforMucinex DM
Upsides
- Good for treating dry cough.
- Available in drugstores either by itself or in combination with other medications to treat cold and allergy symptoms.
- Available as a liquid and a tablet.
- Some products relieve cough for up to 12 hours.
- Mucinex Dm (Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin) is a combination medicine that relieves multiple cold symptoms. It's good to use if you have chest congestion and a cough.
- Helps loosen the mucus and phlegm that builds up in productive and wet coughs.
- The extended release version of Mucinex DM lasts up to 12 hours.
Downsides
- Can't take dextromethorphan if you're taking MAO inhibitors (drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, depression, and other emotional conditions). If taken together, they will cause dangerously high blood pressure levels.
- If you're taking this in combination with other cold and allergy medications, you should read labels closely to make sure you're not accidentally taking too much of a single ingredient.
- Mucinex Dm (Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin) isn’t useful if you have a dry cough without mucus or phlegm.
- The two medications in this product could potentially work against each other. Guaifenesin makes mucus easier to cough up, while dextromethorphan (the "DM" in Mucinex Dm (Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin)) stops you from coughing.
- Can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and an upset stomach.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid extended release
- Pill
- Extended release
- Liquid
No pricing information available
No pricing information available
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Reviews
127 reviews so far
63%
saidit'sworth it
32%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Delsym (Dextromethorphan)?
Leave a review15 reviews so far
73%
saidit'sworth it
73%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Mucinex Dm (Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Delsym (Dextromethorphan) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Mucinex Dm (Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Serotonin syndrome
- Using other medications that affect serotonin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Serotonin syndrome
- Using other medications that affect serotonin
- Cough warning