GoodRx Holdings Inc.
10/23/2023 | Press release | Archived content
Mucinex D vs. Mucinex DM: 5 Differences Between These Two Cough Medications
Key takeaways:
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Mucinex D (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine) and Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) are two cough medications available at your local pharmacy. Mucinex DM is available over the counter (OTC), while Mucinex D is kept behind the pharmacy counter.
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Mucinex D helps with both nasal and chest congestion. But it's not recommended for people who have high blood pressure. Mucinex D also only comes as oral tablets.
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Mucinex DM helps quiet a cough and relieve chest congestion. It's safer for people with high blood pressure. Mucinex DM also comes in several different formulations, including an oral cough syrup.
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Table of contents
If you've walked down the cough and cold aisle at your local pharmacy, you've probably noticed quite a few products to choose from. Mucinex D (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine) and Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) are two of the more popular cough medications available. But even though their names sound similar, they treat different symptoms of the common cold.
Sometimes it's hard trying to decide which over-the-counter (OTC) cough medication is the right one for you. Below, we'll go over five notable differences between Mucinex D and Mucinex DM, so you can choose the best product for your cold symptoms.
1. Mucinex D helps with nasal congestion, while Mucinex DM helps quiet a cough
Both Mucinex D and Mucinex DM help relieve chest congestion. This is because they both contain guaifenesin (an expectorant). It helps relieve chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus in your lungs and throat. This helps make it easier to cough mucus (phlegm) out of your airway.
Mucinex D also helps with nasal congestion. This is because it contains pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). It works by tightening the blood vessels in and around your nasal passages. This eases sinus pressure and congestion. Mucinex D may be a better choice if you have chest congestion and a stuffy nose.
Mucinex DM doesn't contain pseudoephedrine, so it's not going to work for nasal congestion. But it does contain dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). It works by slowing down your brain's cough reflex. Mucinex DM may be a better option if you're looking for something to help quiet a cough.
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Choosing the best cough medicine: There are many prescription and over-the-counter cough medications, but studies show they don't all work. So, what should you take?
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Using a sweet home remedy: It turns out that honey may have some science-backed benefits against cough.
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Managing symptoms:Home treatments can help to loosen a dry cough and dry up a wet cough.
2. Mucinex DM is safer if you have high blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), Mucinex DM is a safer choice for cold symptoms than Mucinex D. The active ingredients in Mucinex DM shouldn't affect your blood pressure.
Mucinex D, on the other hand, can raise your blood pressure because it contains pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine may cause your blood pressure to go up because it tightens blood vessels.
If you have high blood pressure, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking Mucinex D. They can recommend a different cold medication that can help with your symptoms without affecting your blood pressure. Mucinex DM may be one alternative they might suggest.
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3. Mucinex DM offers more dosage forms
Mucinex DM is available in more dosage forms than Mucinex D. Mucinex D only comes available as an oral tablet. This could be a problem if you have trouble swallowing pills.
Mucinex DM, though, comes as an oral tabletandcough syrup. If you have trouble swallowing pills, this may be a good option. Mucinex Cough & Chest Congestion liquid-filled capsules are another available dosage form. It contains guaifenesin and dextromethorphan but doesn't have "Mucinex DM" on the package.
4. Mucinex D isn't recommended for children under 12
Mucinex D's OTC label only provides dosage information for adolescents ages 12 and older. This is because the amount of the active ingredients in each tablet is more than what's safe for kids younger than 12 years old.
The Mucinex brand does offer multiple kid-friendly options, though. Of note, Mucinex Children's Cough Mini-Melts contain guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. It can be safely given to children as young as 4 years old. So even though this product doesn't say "Mucinex DM" on the package, it includes the same active ingredients as Mucinex DM products.
Keep in mind that products that say "Mucinex DM" on the package aren't safe for children under 12.
5. Mucinex D is kept behind the pharmacy counter
Even though both Mucinex DM and Mucinex D are available without a prescription, Mucinex D is kept behind the pharmacy counter. This is because the ingredient pseudoephedrine carries a risk for misuse.
To help prevent misuse, products containing pseudoephedrine are kept behind the pharmacy counter. There are restrictions limiting how much you can buy at one time and per month. You're also required to present state or federal photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
States may also have additional requirements or limitations regarding pseudoephedrine purchase. Your pharmacist can explain the laws for your location in more detail.
The bottom line
Mucinex D (guaifenesin / pseudoephedrine) and Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) are two popular cough medications. Both medications can help with chest congestion. But Mucinex D also relieves nasal congestion, while Mucinex DM can help quiet a cough.
Mucinex DM is safer if you have high blood pressure. It also comes in more dosage forms than Mucinex D. Neither medication requires a prescription to purchase. But Mucinex D is kept behind the pharmacy counter, while Mucinex DM is available OTC.
References
Albrecht, H. H., et al. (2017). Role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections. Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine.
DailyMed. (n.d.). Mucinex DM.
View All References (6)
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RB Health (US) LLC. (2022).Dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin granule [package insert]. DailyMed.
RB Health (US) LLC. (2022). Guaifenesin and dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
RB Health (US) LLC. (2022). Guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
RB Health (US) LLC. (2023). Dextromethorphan hbr, guaifenesin capsule, liquid filled [package insert]. DailyMed.
RB Health (US) LLC. (2023). Dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). Legal requirements for the sale and purchase of drug products containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine.
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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