Compare Mucinex vs. Mucinex DM
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Breaks up mucus that causes cough.
Mucinex (Guaifenesin) is a useful medicine for loosening congestion in your chest and throat, and it lasts longer than other guaifenesin products.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 902 reviewsforMucinex
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
- Mucinex (Guaifenesin) reduces the thickness and amount of mucus in your throat and chest.
- Lasts longer than some other products that contain guaifenesin, such as Robitussin, because it's an extended-release form.
- It’s available at the drugstore either by itself or in combination with other medications to treat cold and flu symptoms.
- Available in liquid and tablet forms.
- Mucinex (Guaifenesin) is alcohol- and sugar-free.
- 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
- Mucinex (Guaifenesin) is more expensive than other medications that treat congestion.
- You need to drink a lot of fluids while taking this medication or it won't work as well.
- Mucinex (Guaifenesin) isn’t useful if you have a dry cough.
- Can cause nausea, headache, and an upset stomach.
- 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
- Extended release
- Liquid
- Pill
- Extended release
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$5.71
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$13.00
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Reviews
902 reviews so far
78%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
7%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Mucinex (Guaifenesin)?
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 Mucinex (Guaifenesin) 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
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nausea and vomiting
- Serotonin syndrome
- Using other medications that affect serotonin
- Cough warning