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08/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/06/2024 09:41

Mucinex DM Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Key takeaways:

  • Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) is a brand name for a line of over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications.

  • The typical adult dosage for immediate-release Mucinex DM is 1 dose every 4 hours as needed. Extended-release Mucinex DM is usually taken once every 12 hours. Children's Mucinex DM dosages depend on their age. But doses can be given every 4 hours as needed. Children under 4 years old shouldn't take Mucinex DM.

  • Mucinex DM is available OTC as a brand-name medication. But you can also find it as a lower-cost generic. If your prescriber writes you a prescription for Mucinex DM, GoodRx can help save you money.

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If you've experienced coughing due to a cold or the flu, you know how annoying and uncomfortable it can be. Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that can help quiet your cough.

All Mucinex DM products contain different amounts of two ingredients: guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps you cough up mucus more easily. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that can help you cough less frequently.

As with any medication, knowing how much to take is crucial when it comes to safety and effectiveness. But how much Mucinex DM should you take? Looking at the OTC label can help. Below, we'll detail the typical Mucinex DM dosages for adults and children.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

Good to know: The Mucinex brand name makes multiple products that contain various active ingredients. This article will only focus on Mucinex products that contain guaifenesin and dextromethorphan.

What's the typical Mucinex DM dosage for adults?

Adult Mucinex DM dosages vary depending on the product you've selected. The Mucinex DM line includes several formulations. Products are available as oral tablets and an oral liquid. If you take liquid Mucinex DM, use the medication cup that comes with it to measure doses. Don't use household spoons, since these may provide too much or too little medication.

Below, you'll find detailed adult dosage information for each Mucinex DM product.

Mucinex DM tablets dosage

Mucinex DM tablets are extended-release (ER) tablets. They're designed to release medication slowly over a period of 12 hours. Each tablet contains:

  • 600 mg of guaifenesin

  • 30 mg of dextromethorphan

The typical Mucinex DM tablet dosage for adults is 1 or 2 tablets by mouth every 12 hours as needed, with or without food. Don't take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours. It's recommended to take your doses with a full glass of water. And you shouldn't chew, cut, or crush Mucinex DM tablets. This can interfere with how the tablets release the medication.

Maximum-Strength Mucinex DM tablets dosage

Maximum-Strength Mucinex DM tablets are also ER tablets. Each tablet contains:

  • 1,200 mg of guaifenesin

  • 60 mg of dextromethorphan

The typical Maximum-Strength Mucinex DM tablet dosage for adults is 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours as needed, with or without food. Don't take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours. It's recommended to take your doses with a full glass of water. You shouldn't chew, cut, or crush Maximum-Strength Mucinex DM tablets.

Mucinex Cough & Congestion liquid gels dosage

Mucinex Cough & Congestion liquid gels don't say "Mucinex DM" on the box. But they contain the same active ingredients. This is an immediate-release (IR) product, which means it doesn't last as long as the ER versions. Each capsule contains:

  • 200 mg of guaifenesin

  • 10 mg of dextromethorphan

The typical Mucinex Cough & Congestion liquid gel dosage for adults is 2 capsules by mouth every 4 hours as needed. You can take them with or without food. But don't take more than 12 capsules in 24 hours. And don't cut, chew, or open the capsules.

Mucinex Fast-Max DM liquid dosage

If you're having trouble swallowing pills, Mucinex Fast-Max DM liquid could be a helpful option. This is another IR product. Every 20 mL of Mucinex Fast-Max DM contains:

  • 400 mg of guaifenesin

  • 20 mg of dextromethorphan

The typical Mucinex Fast-Max DM liquid dosage for adults is 20 mL by mouth every 4 hours as needed, with or without food. Don't take more than six doses (120 mL) in 24 hours.

Mucinex Fast-Max DM comes in two flavor options: cherry and honey berry. Keep in mind that while honey can help soothe a cough, the honey in this product is included only for flavoring.

What's the typical Mucinex DM dosage for children?

Specific Mucinex DM dosages for children vary depending on the product you're giving your child. Adolescents ages 12 years and older can follow the adult Mucinex DM dosages listed above. Mucinex DM dosages for children under 12 are based on their age (not body weight). Children under 4 years old shouldn't take any Mucinex DM products.

The products we discuss below don't say "Mucinex DM" on the label. But they contain the same active ingredients (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan) as other Mucinex DM products.

Children's Mucinex Cough liquid dosage

Children's Mucinex Cough comes as a cherry-flavored liquid. Every 5 mL contains:

  • 100 mg of guaifenesin

  • 5 mg of dextromethorphan

The typical Children's Mucinex Cough liquid dosages are as follows:

  • Ages 6 to 11 years old: Give 5 to 10 mL by mouth every 4 hours as needed, with or without food. Don't give more than 6 doses (up to 60 mL) in 24 hours.

  • Ages 4 to 5 years old: Give 2.5 to 5 mL by mouth every 4 hours as needed, with or without food. Don't give more than 6 doses (up to 30 mL) in 24 hours.

  • Under 4 years old: Don't give Children's Mucinex Cough liquid to this age group.

Children's Mucinex Cough Mini-Melts dosage

Children's Mucinex Cough also comes as orange cream-flavored "mini-melts." Each packet contains granules that you can place on your child's tongue. Then the child can swallow it without water. Each packet contains:

  • 100 mg of guaifenesin

  • 5 mg of dextromethorphan

The typical Children's Mucinex Cough Mini-Melt dosages are as follows:

  • Ages 12 years and older: Give 2 to 4 packets by mouth every 4 hours as needed. Don't give more than 6 doses (24 packets) in 24 hours.

  • Age 6 to 11 years old: Give 1 to 2 packets by mouth every 4 hours as needed. Don't give more than 6 doses (12 packets) in 24 hours.

  • Age 4 to 5 years old: Give 1 packet by mouth every 4 hours as needed. Don't give more than 6 doses (6 packets) in 24 hours.

  • Under 4 years old: Don't give Children's Mucinex Cough Mini-Melts to this age group.

Pharmacist tip: Tell your child to avoid chewing the granules after you pour the dose onto their tongue. It may not taste the best if they chew it.

Are there any dosage adjustments for health conditions?

Mucinex DM doesn't usually need dosage adjustments for health conditions. But there may be times when certain people should ask a healthcare professional before taking it. Some people may have a greater risk of serious side effects.

Ask a healthcare professional before taking Mucinex DM if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Are allergic to artificial sweeteners

  • Have diabetes

  • Have a cough with an excessive amount of mucus

  • Have a long-term cough caused by smoking, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

  • Have severe kidney disease

  • Have a history of liver problems

  • Have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar), in the last 2 weeks

You should also contact a healthcare professional if you've had a cough for longer than 7 days or if you have other symptoms of an infection. Symptoms may include a fever, severe body aches, and chills. These can indicate a more serious infection.

What should you do if you take too much Mucinex DM?

Accidentally taking an extra dose of Mucinex DM is unlikely to cause serious harm for most people. But you may experience more side effects than usual. Guaifenesin can cause headache, nausea, and vomiting. Common dextromethorphan side effects include upset stomach, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Taking excessive amounts of Mucinex DM is more concerning. This is because of the dextromethorphan component. Large amounts of dextromethorphan can lead to potentially life-threatening side effects. These include seizures, irregular heart rhythms, and coma.

If you or someone you know took too much Mucinex DM, contact a healthcare professional or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If any symptoms seem severe or life-threatening, call 911 or go to the ER.

How to save on Mucinex DM

There are many ways to save on Mucinex DM, which is available as a brand-name and generic medication. By having your prescriber write a prescription for Mucinex DM, GoodRx can help you save over 50% off the average retail price.

The price of 20 tablets of the generic version of Mucinex DM at certain pharmacies is as low as $9.73with a free GoodRx discount. And the price of 20 tablets of brand-name Mucinex DM may be as low as $16.09.

The bottom line

Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) is a line of over-the-counter cough medications. Specific dosages vary between products. In general, you can take immediate-release Mucinex DM every 4 hours as needed. And extended-release tablets can be taken every 12 hours.

Children's Mucinex DM dosages are based on their age. Kids can typically take age-appropriate doses every 4 hours as needed. Children under 4 years old shouldn't take Mucinex DM. Read the label of your selected product carefully to ensure you're taking a safe, effective dose.

References

DailyMed. (n.d.). Search results for: Mucinex.

DailyMed. (n.d.). Search results for: Mucinex DM.

View All References (8)
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MedlinePlus. (2022). Guaifenesin.

RB Health (US). (2021). Mucinex Childrens Cough- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

RB Health (US). (2022). Mucinex Childrens Cough and Chest Congestion Mini-Melts Orange Creme- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin granule [package insert]. DailyMed.

RB Health (US). (2023). Mucinex Cough Chest Congestion- dextromethorphan hbr, guaifenesin capsule, liquid filled [package insert]. DailyMed.

RB Health (US). (2023). Mucinex DM maximum strength- guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

RB Health (US). (2023). Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

RB Health (US). (2024). Mucinex DM- guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

RB Health (US). (2024). Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max honey and berry flavor- dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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