Compare Robitussin DM vs. Mucinex D

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

Robitussin Dm (Guaifenesin / Dextromethorphan)

Over-the-counter

Mucinex D (Guaifenesin / Pseudoephedrine)

Over-the-counter

Breaks up mucus and relieves cough.

Robitussin Dm (Guaifenesin / Dextromethorphan) is okay for loosening congestion in your chest and throat, but it could prevent you from coughing the mucus up. You have to take it more often than other guaifenesin products.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 724 reviewsforRobitussin DM

Breaks up mucus and relieves congestion.

Mucinex D (Guaifenesin / Pseudoephedrine) is good if you have a stuffy nose and a cough with mucus, but it could keep you up at night.

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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1249 reviewsforMucinex D

Upsides

Robitussin Dm (Guaifenesin / Dextromethorphan) 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 and causes productive, wet coughs.

Mucinex D (Guaifenesin / Pseudoephedrine) is a combination medicine that relieves multiple cold symptoms. It's good to use if you have sinus and chest congestion.
Helps loosen the mucus in your airways so that you can cough it up more easily.
Works well to clear nasal congestion and help you breathe better.

Downsides

Robitussin Dm (Guaifenesin / Dextromethorphan) 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 Robitussin Dm (Guaifenesin / Dextromethorphan)) stops you from coughing.
Needs to be taken more often during the day than other products with guaifenesin, like Mucinex.
Can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and an upset stomach.

Pseudoephedrine, the decongestant in Mucinex D (Guaifenesin / Pseudoephedrine), can make your heart race or make you feel anxious and restless.
Doesn't work as well if you use it for more than 4 days at a time.
Although you don't need a prescription to get Mucinex D (Guaifenesin / Pseudoephedrine), you need to show a photo ID to buy it in the drugstore.
Mucinex D (Guaifenesin / Pseudoephedrine) isn’t useful if you have a dry cough.

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