Mucinex & Robitussin: Ingredients, Pregnancy Safety & Dosage

What is Mucinex DM?

Guaifenesin/dextromethorphan is a combination
medication that is an expectorant and cough suppressant.

Is Mucinex DM available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for Mucinex DM?

What brand names are available for Mucinex DM?

Robitussin DM Maximum Strength (liquid),
Robitussin DM Maximum Strength (capsules),
Mucinex DM,
Mucinex DM Maximum Strength,
Mucinex Fast-Max DM

Why is Mucinex DM prescribed to patients?

Guaifenesin and dextromethorphan temporarily relieve cough
due to minor throat and bronchial irritations that are associated with
cold. Guaifenesin/dextromethorphan also help loosen mucus and thin bronchial
secretions.

What are the side effects of Mucinex DM?

Side effects of guaifenesin and dextromethorphan are:

nausea,
vomiting,
constipation,
drowsiness, and
dizziness.

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What is the dosage for Mucinex DM?

Adults and children 12 years of age and older:

Robitussin DM and Robitussin DM Maximum Strength (liquid): Take 10 ml by
mouth every 4 hours as needed. No more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
Mucinex Fast-Max DM: Take 20 ml by mouth every 4 hours. No more than 6 doses
in 24 hours.
Robitussin DM Maximum Strength (capsules): Take 2 capsules by mouth every 4
hours as needed. No More than 12 capsules in 24 hours.
Mucinex DM: Take 1 or 2 tablets by mouth every 12 hours. No more than 4
tablets in 24 hours.
Mucinex DM Maximum Strength: Take 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours. No more
than 2 tablets in 24 hours.

Safe and effective use of guaifenesin and dextromethorphan is not established
for children under 12 years of age.

Which drugs or supplements interact with Mucinex DM?

Guaifenesin/dextromethorphan should not be used with MAO inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Zelapar, Emsam, and Eldepryl),
tranylcypromine (Parnate), procarbazine (Matulane), rasagiline (Azilect) and
isocarboxazid (Marplan). Such combinations increase the risk of serious side
effects. Guaifenesin/dextromethorphan should not be used within 14 days of using
a MAO inhibitor.

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Is Mucinex DM safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies done on guaifenesin and
dextromethorphan determine safe and effective use in
pregnant women.

It is not known whether guaifenesin and dextromethorphan
enter breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in
nursing mothers.

What else should I know about Robitussin DM?

What preparations of Mucinex DM are available?

Robitussin DM, Robitussin DM Maximum Strength, and Mucinex
Fast-Max DM are available as oral liquid form.

Robitussin DM contains 100 mg of guaifenesin
and 10 mg of dextromethorphan in each 5 ml of liquid.
Robitussin DM Maximum Strength and contains
400 mg of guaifenesin and 20 mg of dextromethorphan in each 10 ml of liquid.
- Robitussin DM Maximum Strength is available in 4 fluid ounce (120 ml) and
  8 fluid ounce (240 ml) bottles. Mucinex Fast-Max
  DM is available in 6 fluid ounce (180 ml) bottles.
- Robitussin DM Maximum Strength is also available as liquid-filled capsules,
  containing 200 mg of guaifenesin and 10 mg of dextromethorphan in each capsule.
  Robitussin DM Maximum Strength is available in a package of 20 capsules.
Mucinex Fast-Max DM contains 400 mg of
guaifenesin and 20 mg of dextromethorphan in each 20 ml of liquid.
- Mucinex DM and Mucinex DM Maximum Strength are available as extended-release
  oral tablet form.
- Mucinex DM contains 600 mg of Guaifenesin and
  30 mg of Dextromethorphan in each tablet, available as 20 tablets per package.
- Mucinex DM Maximum Strength contains 1200 mg
  of Guaifenesin and 60 mg of Dextromethorphan in each tablet, available as 14
  tablets per package.

How should I keep Mucinex DM stored?

Store at room temperature between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F). Do not store liquid formulations in the refrigerator.

How does Mucinex DM work?

Guaifenesin is an
expectorant, which works by thinning oral mucus and increasing mucus volume.
Dextromethorphan works on the cough center in the brain. It disrupts sensitivity
of cough receptors and interrupts transmission of cough impulses.