Compare Delsym vs. Mucinex DM

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Delsym (Dextromethorphan)

Over-the-counter

Mucinex Dm (Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin)

Over-the-counter

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