Why is Mucinex so expensive?
Why mucinex so expensive That makes sense, right, because bromelain works by digesting protein. Many of my patients have gotten some good quality bromelain at Whole Food's that worked well.
What works better than Mucinex?
The Differences Between Mucinex & Sudafed
- Mucinex. Mucinex is an OTC medication that contains the active ingredient guaifenesin, an expectorant that works by loosening and thinning mucus 1.
- Sudafed. Sudafed is an OTC nasal decongestant 5. ...
- Choices. ...
- Availability. ...
- Side Effects. ...
- Warnings. ...
Is taking Mucinex daily harmful?
Why mucinex is bad for you? Generally, if you use Mucinex as directed, you shouldn’t have serious side effects. However, overuse or misuse of the drug can cause problems. Using this drug at a dosage that’s too high may increase your risk of kidney stones. Does mucinex help with bronchitis?
Does Mucinex help with smoker's cough?
Mucinex is designed for temporary relief of congestion and cold-like symptoms. It's important to consult your doctor before you use it to treat smoking-induced congestion or coughing. Avoid taking cough medicine. Coughing will help to loosen the phlegm from your lungs and will help you recover from chest congestion.
Is Mucinex best for cough?
Unfortunately, Mucinex does not appear to be effective for cough. Though Mucinex has been shown in some studies to have a small effect compared with doing nothing (placebo), larger reviews with many studies have concluded that there is no good evidence for using Mucinex.
How does Mucinex work for cough?
Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier. If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using this product to be sure it is right for you.
Does Mucinex help with lingering cough?
“How Mucinex DM Can Help Relieve Your Cough” While coughing helps reduce the excess mucus out of your airways, sometimes you need a break. Mucinex® DM combines both Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan to give you fewer but more productive coughs, and help relieve chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus.
Is Mucinex good for Covid?
Lozenges, cough drops, and over-the-counter medicines such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin and others) and guaifenesin (Mucinex and others) can help with the cough that often comes with COVID-19. Dextromethorphan could be the choice for the dry cough that COVID-19 is best known for; guaifenesin that for wetter coughs.
Which medicine is best for severe cough?
In 2019, 44% of pharmacists surveyed in Pharmacy Times®' 2019 OTC Guide® recommended Delsym (dextromethorphan) as a first-line cough suppressant. Another 30% suggested Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan), and 20% advocated for Robitussin (guaifenesin).
How long does it take for Mucinex to start working?
How long does it take for guaifenesin (Mucinex) to start working? Guaifenesin (Mucinex) starts to work pretty quickly. You can expect to feel its full effects about 30 minutes after your dose.
Does Mucinex dry you out?
Before you go pointing fingers at your pill cabinet, however, please take note: it isn't Mucinex that dehydrates you. Nor is it Mucinex-D, Mucinex-DM or any other decongestant containing the active ingredient guaifenesin.
Kywoman asked
I got walking pneumonia for 2 weeks and now doctor put me on Flonase spray and a Z-pack. I finished it 3 days ago and now he wants me take Mucinex for 3 weeks. I got dry cough after taking it for week. Should I stop the Mucinex, the cause of my dry cough? It makes me feel like can't breathe.
Answer
Mucinex (guaifenesin) is an expectorant that is used to make dry coughs more productive. It is often referred to as a "chest decongestant" because it helps to thin and loosen secretions that are stuck in your airway. Specifically, it reduces the viscosity and adhesiveness of secretions.
What is Mucinex?
Mucinex the brand name for a line of over-the-counter medications sold for cold and flu symptoms. These medications come in many forms, including liquids, sprays, caplets, and gels. Each product is marketed differently for nighttime and daytime use, and for different types of symptoms in addition to cough, like congestion, and headache.
What are the ingredients in Mucinex?
The main active ingredient in Mucinex is guaifenesin, a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. Guaifenesin is a medication that can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription. It’s also one of the common ingredients in combination cold and flu medications like Robitussin DM.
So, what does Mucinex do?
As mentioned above, the main active ingredient in Mucinex is guaifenesin, which is an expectorant. Expectorants are medications that theoretically thin mucus. They loosen the congestion in your chest and throat and make it easier for you to remove the mucus by coughing.
How well does Mucinex work for coughing?
Unfortunately, Mucinex does not appear to be effective for cough. Though Mucinex has been shown in some studies to have a small effect compared with doing nothing (placebo), larger reviews with many studies have concluded that there is no good evidence for using Mucinex.
Mucinex vs. Mucinex DM
Mucinex DM contains guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan is another ingredient that is commonly found in cold and flu medications. It is antitussive, or a cough suppressant, that’s supposed to work by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that is responsible for our cough reflex.
What about Mucinex Maximum Strength?
Sounds strong, I know. But this medication has also been shown not to help.
How to use Mucinex Cough Granules In Packet
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects
Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Precautions
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to guaifenesin or dextromethorphan; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
How many ratings does mucinex have?
Mucinex has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 39 ratings for the treatment of Cough. 46% of those users who reviewed Mucinex reported a positive effect, while 33% reported a negative effect.
Does Mucinex DX green work?
The Mucinex DX green does a great job of thinning mucus as well as stopping cough. The blue is good for colds and allergies without cough. I prefer the 600 mg tables. For me, they wear off after five hours. Take with a lot of water.
What is the active ingredient in a cough?
It has two active ingredients: guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. Guaifenesin helps loosen mucus and thin the secretions in your lungs. This effect helps make your cough more productive by allowing you to cough up and get rid of bothersome mucus. Dextromethorphan helps relieve the intensity of your cough.
Does a cough pill cause headaches?
Nervous system effects. To help control your urge to cough, this drug works on receptors in your brain. In some people, this may also cause side effects. Side effects at the recommended dosage are uncommon but may include: dizziness. drowsiness. headache. These side effects are rare.
Is mucinex DM an oral tablet?
Mucinex DM comes in two strengths. Regular Mucinex DM comes as an oral tablet only. Maximum Strength Mucinex DM is available as an oral tablet and oral liquid. Most people can tolerate both Mucinex DM and Maximum Strength Mucinex DM at the recommended dosage. Still, there are some side effects that can happen when you take either strength ...
Can mucinex cause a rash?
Side effects on your skin are uncommon at a normal dosage, but may include an allergic reaction. This reaction typically causes a rash on your skin. If you have a skin rash after using Mucinex DM, stop using the drug and contact your doctor.
Can you take mucinex while taking MAOIs?
If you take certain drugs for depression or Parkinson’s disease, called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), do not take Mucinex DM. Taking Mucinex DM while you take MAOIs can lead to a severe reaction called serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome affects your heart and blood vessels. It’s a life-threatening reaction.
Can you cough with mucinex?
The scene: You have chest congestion, so you cough and cough but still get no relief. Now, on top of the congestion, you also can’t stop coughing. You consider Mucinex DM because it’s made to treat both congestion and constant coughing. But before you use it, you want to know about the side effects.
Can mucinex cause side effects?
Talk with your doctor. If you use Mucinex DM as directed, you will most likely experience only mild side effects, if you experience side effects at all. Most severe side effects of Mucinex DM come from overuse and misuse of this drug. If you have any doubts about taking this drug, talk to your doctor. Checking with your doctor for side effects is ...
What is the active ingredient in mucinex?
The Mucinex product range may include the below active ingredients: Guaifenesin: Helps loosen mucus and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive. Guaifenesin is indicated for the relief of chest congestions as associated with the common cold.
What is the best medicine for a cold?
Acetaminophen: Indicated for the temporary reduction of fever and temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with the common cold and flu. Pseudoephedrine/phenylephrine Hydrochloride: Indicated for the temporary relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold or other upper respiratory allergies.
Roughly one-third of COVID patients have a productive cough with thick mucus
Jennifer Welsh is a Connecticut-based science writer and editor with over ten years of experience under her belt. She’s previously worked and written for WIRED Science, The Scientist, Discover Magazine, LiveScience, and Business Insider.
What Is Mucus?
Mucus is the thick liquid that is produced by your airways to keep them clear and moist. It also serves as a protective barrier to keep germs out. It’s often called snot or phlegm. Mucus is important in keeping your body functioning and keeping germs from getting you sick. 2
How COVID-19 Impacts Lungs
COVID-19 is the illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which first appeared in China in November of 2019. It infects the cells that line the airways, specifically the mucous membranes.
Treatment
The mucus our bodies are producing while we’re sick has a purpose, but you’ll still probably want to try to get some of it moving while you’re still battling an infection. Clearing mucus out won’t make your infection go away, but it can help you breathe better and increase quality of life. Here are a few ways to treat excess mucus in the lungs .
Summary
Mucus is produced by mucous membranes in the respiratory tract and elsewhere. People with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections may have a wet cough in which they cough up mucus. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or home remedies or prescription medication to make you more comfortable and help you clear your lungs.
A Word From Verywell
Cough is one of the symptoms that can persist in post-COVID syndrome (also known as long COVID). For some COVID-19 patients, their cough, fatigue, pain, and brain fog stay with them for weeks or even months after an initial COVID-19 infection. 1
How It Works
- Mucinex is a brand (trade) name for guaifenesin. Guaifenesin increases the volume and reduces the viscosity (stickiness) of respiratory tract secretions. This makes it easier for mucus trapped in t...
- Mucinex belongs to the class of medicines known as expectorants.
Upsides
- Aids in the removal of phlegm and mucus from the lungs and airways.
- Thins bronchial secretions.
- May be used to aid in the coughing up of phlegm and mucus in people with a chesty cough.
- Available over the counter.
Downsides
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, headache, sleepiness or sleeplessness, and rash are more commonly reported; although, in general, Mucinex is well tolerated at dosages used for expectoration. 2. D…
Bottom Line
- Mucinex is an expectorant that helps thin mucus allowing it to be more easily cleared by coughing. Side effects are few; however, anecdotally, sleeplessness may be a problem if Mucinex is taken late in the afternoon.
Tips
- Can be administered with or without food. Take with a full glass of water.
- Mucinex is available as an extended-release, bilayer tablet. Do not crush, chew or break this tablet. Swallow whole with a full glass of water. The empty tablet shell may be visible in the stool.
- Drink extra fluids while you are taking Mucinex as these will help loosen the congestion and l…
- Can be administered with or without food. Take with a full glass of water.
- Mucinex is available as an extended-release, bilayer tablet. Do not crush, chew or break this tablet. Swallow whole with a full glass of water. The empty tablet shell may be visible in the stool.
- Drink extra fluids while you are taking Mucinex as these will help loosen the congestion and lubricate your throat.
- Do not give to children under the age of twelve. Do not exceed the maximum recommended dosage of four tablets in 24 hours. If you are using liquid medicine, ensure you measure it with a properly ca...
Response and Effectiveness
- Peak plasma concentrations have been reported with immediate-release formulations within 45 minutes.
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with Mucinex may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Mucinex. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
References
- Mucinex (guaifenesin) [Package Insert]. Revised 11/2020. Reckitt Benckiser, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/mucinex.html
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Mucinex only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: June 24, 2021. Medical Disclai…