About Mucinex

Mucinex is a very popular drug to relieve chest congestion, nasal congestion and suppress coughs. There are several kinds of Mucinex, each targeted for certain symptoms caused by allergies, colds, flu and other common illnesses.

How Mucinex Works

• Mucinex is a guaifenesin sustained-release tablet that is a mix between guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine.

  Guaifenesin is an expectorant. Expectorants work by helping to thin phlegm in the lungs. This allows the mucus to be coughed up more easily. It helps to reduce chest congestion by making coughs bring up more phlegm and helping to clear the lungs.

  Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. Decongestants help make blood vessels in the nose smaller by temporarily shrinking them. Larger, dilated blood vessels can cause a stuffy nose.

  Mucinex is used for treating symptoms associated with allergies, colds, flu or hay fever. Mucinex can also be used for other conditions that your doctor may specify.

Types of Mucinex

• There are several kinds of Mucinex for various conditions. Regular Mucinex is used to help reduce congestion by breaking up phlegm in the lungs and making coughs more productive.

  Mucinex DM is used to relieve coughs caused by the common cold or bronchitis. Some other breathing illnesses may also be helped by using Mucinex DM. Mucinex DM can be taken once a day.

  Mucinex D is similar to Mucinex DM, although it must be taken more than once daily.

  Maximum Strength Mucinex is a stronger version of regular Mucinex, and Maximum Strength Mucinex DM and D are stronger versions of the regular Mucinex DM and Mucinex D.

  Mucinex Full Force Nasal Spray helps relieve nasal congestion that may be due to a cold, upper respiratory infection, allergies or hay fever. It helps drain your nasal passages and sinuses by shrinking swollen membranes.

  Mucinex Moisture Smart Nasal Spray helps to clear out excess phlegm but also soothe dry nasal passages by keeping them moisturized. By hydrating the membranes, moisture balance can be achieved for relief.

  Mucinex Cough Mini-Melts are quick melting tablets to help suppress coughs and also breaks up mucus that causes congestion.

  Mucinex Cold Liquid is created for children age 12. It helps to relieve nasal congestion by breaking up excess mucus.

Ingredients in Mucinex

• Do not use Mucinex if you are allergic to any of the ingredients found in the product. Mucinex has a pill form, nasal spray, mini-melts, and liquid medicine. Each type has different ingredients.

  The pills contain carbomer 934P, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium starch glycolate.

  In the nasal sprays, you will find benzalkonium chloride solution, camphor, edetate disodium, eucalyptol, glycine, menthol, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium phosphate monobasic, and sorbitol.

  Mucinex Mini-Melts have aspartame, butylated methacrylate copolymer, carbomer homopolymer, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, providone, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sorbitol, stearic acid, talc, and triethyl citrate.

  The liquid form of Mucinex contains citric acid anhydrous, dextrose, glycerin, methylparaben, potassium sorbate, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium hydroxide, sucralose, xanthan gum, and sorbitol solution.

  Some of these forms of Mucinex may also contain flavoring and coloring. Be sure to check your label for more specific flavoring or coloring ingredients.

Dosing Instructions

• Ask your doctor before using Mucinex. This applies if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are nursing, taking any other medications or dietary supplements, if you have allergies to certain substances, and if your cough is associated with smoking, asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.

  Read the label in order to know exact instructions for dosage. Your doctor may direct you to take Mucinex in a specific manner.

  Mucinex can be taken with or without food. It is recommended that you drink plenty of fluids while taking Mucinex in order to help break up more phlegm.

  Do not break up Mucinex. It is made to be swallowed whole. By breaking, chewing, or crushing, you could alter the effectiveness of Mucinex.

  If you happen to skip a dose, do not take two on your next dose. Try to take it as soon as possible. If it is time for your next dose, skip the dose that you missed. Go back to your regular dosing.

Side Effects

• Mucinex may cause a number of mild to severe side effects. Mild side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, gas, headache, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, insomnia and mild loss of appetite.

  Severe side effects that may may caused by an allergic reaction include rash, hives, trouble breathing, chest tightness, uneven or fast heartbeat, anxiety, restless feeling (severe), easy bleeding, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, numbness, seizures, chest pain, or swelling in the facial area including the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If any of these side effects occur, seek medical attention immediately.

  Because Mucinex may cause dizziness, it is recommended that you do not operate machinery or drive until you know how your body will react to the drug. Do not use Mucinex with alcohol. Do not use Mucinex with other prescription or non-prescription drugs unless given the OK by your doctor.

  Mucinex or any other cough and cold medicine, has not been proven to be safe or effective in children under the age of 6. It is recommended that Mucinex not be given to a child under the age of 12 unless directed by a physician. Death may occur from the misuse of this medicine in younger children.