09/03/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/03/2024 09:38
Key takeaways:
Mucinex D (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) cold medication. It can help relieve chest congestion and a stuffy nose.
The typical Mucinex D dosage for people age 12 and older is 2 tablets by mouth every 12 hours as needed. The typical Mucinex D Maximum Strength dosage is 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours as needed.
Children under 12 shouldn't take Mucinex D. The amounts of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine in Mucinex D may be too high for children in this age group.
Mucinex D is available OTC as a brand-name medication. But you can also find it as a lower-cost generic. If your healthcare professional writes you a prescription for Mucinex D, GoodRx may be able to help save you money on the medication.
Mucinex D (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) cold medication. It can help temporarily relieve chest congestion and a stuffy nose. It contains two active ingredients: guaifenesin (to help loosen mucus) and pseudoephedrine (to relieve nasal congestion).
Like all medications, Mucinex D is most effective (and has the lowest risk of side effects) when it's taken at the right dosage. But how much should you take? Below, we review typical Mucinex D dosages for adults and children.
Good to know:Mucinex D and Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) are commonly confused. But they have several notable differences, including unique recommended dosages.
Mucinex D is typically taken every 12 hours as needed. It comes as extended-release (ER) tablets that slowly release medication over several hours. There are two versions available: Mucinex D and Mucinex D Maximum Strength. These products contain different amounts of the active ingredients. So it's important to read your product's OTC label carefully for instructions on how to take it.
Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM: These similar-sounding medications have several differences to consider when selecting a cough medication.
Choosing the best cough medication: There are many prescription and over-the-counter cough medications available, but studies show they don't all work. So what should you take?
Using a sweet home remedy: It turns out that honey may have some science-backed benefits to help soothe a cough.
You don't need a prescription for Mucinex D. But because it contains pseudoephedrine, it's located behind the pharmacy counter. You must be 18 or older and show a state or federal photo ID to purchase Mucinex D. And there are restrictions on how much you can buy per day and per month. Your pharmacist can let you know the specific restrictions for your area.
Good to know: The pseudoephedrine portion of Mucinex D can potentially keep you awake at night. If you're having trouble sleeping, avoid taking it close to bedtime. And ask your pharmacist about other options if you're looking for a "nighttime" cold medication.
Mucinex D tablets contain 600 mg of guaifenesin and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine. The typical Mucinex D dosage for adults is 2 tablets by mouth every 12 hours as needed. The maximum dosage is 4 tablets in 24 hours.
Swallow Mucinex D tablets whole; don't cut, chew, or crush them. It's recommended to take the medication with a full glass of water. But you can take it with or without food.
Mucinex D Maximum Strength tablets contain 1,200 mg of guaifenesin and 120 mg of pseudoephedrine. The typical Mucinex D Maximum Strength dosage for adults is 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours as needed. The maximum dosage is 2 tablets in 24 hours.
Swallow Mucinex D Maximum Strength tablets whole; don't cut, chew, or crush them. It's recommended to take the medication with a full glass of water. But you can take it with or without food.
Mucinex D should only be given to adolescents who are 12 or older. Adolescents in this age group can take the recommended adult Mucinex D dosages mentioned above. Don't give Mucinex D to children under 12.
Mucinex D is a fixed-dose combination medication. This means that the dose can't be changed or customized. And the amounts of the active ingredients in Mucinex D may be too high for children under 12.
For example, children under 12 should only take between 50 mg and 200 mg of guaifenesin at one time, depending on their age. And they should only take between 15 mg to 30 mg of pseudoephedrine at one time. As mentioned above, Mucinex D contains 600 mg of guaifenesin and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine, and Mucinex D Maximum Strength contains higher amounts of the active ingredients.
Many medications have different dosages for people living with kidney or liver disease. But there are no recommended dosage adjustments for Mucinex D based on these health conditions. However, there are certain people who may need to avoid the medication altogether.
Ask a healthcare professional before taking Mucinex D if you:
Have heart problems, such as heart disease
Have high blood pressure
Have thyroid problems
Have diabetes
Are pregnant
Are breastfeeding
Have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland
Have a persistent or chronic cough caused by smoking, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Have excessive amounts of mucus with your cough
The above situations can increase the risk of side effects from Mucinex D and, in many cases, are reasons to avoid taking it. If any of these situations apply to you, talk to a healthcare professional about whether it's safe for you to take Mucinex D.
Taking an extra dose of Mucinex D by mistake is unlikely to cause serious harm. But you may experience more side effects than usual. Common side effects of guaifenesin include nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Common pseudoephedrine side effects include trouble sleeping, anxiety, and dry mouth.
Taking excessively high dosages of Mucinex D can be more serious. Large amounts of pseudoephedrine can cause severe side effects, such as hallucinations and dangerously high blood pressure. In some cases, a pseudoephedrine overdose can even be fatal.
If you think you've taken too much Mucinex D or are experiencing excessive side effects, contact your healthcare professional right away. You can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. If you're experiencing trouble breathing, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat, call 911 or seek emergency care right away.
There are ways to save on Mucinex D, which is available as a brand-name and generic medication. If your healthcare professional writes you a prescription for Mucinex D, GoodRx may be able to help you save over 40% off the average retail price.
At certain pharmacies, the price of 20 tablets of the generic version of Mucinex D may be as low as $9.96with a free GoodRx coupon. And the price of 20 tablets of generic Mucinex D Maximum Strength may be as low as $8.73.
Mucinex D (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine) is an over-the-counter cold medication. The typical Mucinex D dosage for people 12 and older is 2 tablets by mouth every 12 hours as needed. The typical Mucinex D Maximum Strength dosage is 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours as needed. Mucinex D shouldn't be given to children under 12, because it contains doses of the active ingredient that are too high for younger kids.
Głowacka, K., et al. (2021). Pseudoephedrine-Benefits and risks. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
MedlinePlus. (2022). Guaifenesin.
RB Health (US) LLC. (2022). Mucinex D - guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
RB Health (US) LLC. (2024). Mucinex D Maximum Strength - guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
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