Mucinex DM Drug Facts

Mucinex DM may seem like an innocent even funny medication with the cartoon characters of Mr. and Mrs. Mucus moving into your chest for what may be a long time. But Mucinex DM is a medication that contains some very serious drugs that may cause life threatening problems for children and adults who take too much of this medication. That means Mucinex DM usage should not be taken lightly.

Mucinex DM Explained

• Mucinex DM that is manufactured by Adams Laboratories contains two powerful medicines. They are guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. Guaifensin is an expectorant that helps loosen congestion in the chest and the throat. This medication makes it easier to cough. Dextrmethorphan is a cough suppressant that affects the signal in the brain that triggers the cough reflex.

Uses

• Mucinex DM is used for the treatment of colds, allergies and infections to get rid of chest congestion and to help relieve the sufferer of a nasty cough. However, Mucinex DM should not be used in the treatment of a cough from smoking, asthma or emphysema. While taking this medication the use of some other medications are not allowed. They are: Celebrex, Enablex, Sensipar, Norvir, Meridia and antidepressants. You should tell the doctor of all medications you are taking.

Warnings

• Mucinex DM should not be taken when alertness or driving is required. This medication can cause a patient to become drowsy. Children under the age of four should not be given Mucinex DM due to the drugs contained in the mixture. They could potentially be harmful to a small child or an infant.

Severe Side Effects

• According to Drugs.com unwarranted side effects needing immediate medical attention may happen while taking Mucinex DM. They are: experiencing difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, hives, having anxiety, confusion or hallucinations, and slow, shallow breathing.

Side Effects

• Side effects that are expected while taking Mucinex DM are the following: dizziness, headache, a possible skin rash, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. When the side effects become too unpleasant call the doctor for medical advice.

Cosniderations

• Pregnant women are advised to talk to the doctor before taking Mucinex DM. According to the Mayo Clinic, there have not been enough studies done on Mucinex DM and the effects it may have on the fetus of pregnant women. Alcohol, according to Drugs.com, should not be used while taking Mucinex DM because the alcohol may increase the effects of the drugs. Diet and caffeine pills are also on the "No list" because together all the medications can increase the unpleasant side effects of this cold medication.

Medical Advice

• Read the prescriber's information before taking Mucinex DM. Only take this medication as directed by the doctor or pharmacist, or as written on the label. Do not take Mucinex DM for longer than seven days. If you have a fever, a rash, headache and sore throat or if the cough does not improve, then you may have another medical condition that requires a health care professionals' advice.