What is Mucinex?
Mucinex is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, flu, or chronic bronchitis.
Mucinex helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.
There are many brands and forms of Mucinex available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Mucinex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Mucinex indications
Mucinex and hydrocodone is used to treat cough and reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, flu, or allergies.
How should I use Mucinex?
Use Mucinex sustained-release tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Mucinex sustained-release tablets by mouth with or without food.
- Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Mucinex sustained-release tablets is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
- Swallow Mucinex sustained-release tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- If you miss a dose of Mucinex sustained-release tablets and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Mucinex sustained-release tablets.
Uses of Mucinex in details
Mucinex is used to treat coughs and congestion caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor. Mucinex 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.
Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.
These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold. To decrease the risk for side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients. Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
How to use 2/G
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 hours. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Mucinex may have a bitter taste. Do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
For powder packets, empty the entire contents of the packet onto the tongue and swallow. To prevent a bitter taste, do not chew.
Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not take more than 6 doses in a day. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.
Tell your doctor if your cough is accompanied by fever, severe sore throat, rash, persistent headache, or if it persists, returns, or worsens after 7 days. These may be signs of a serious medical problem. Seek immediate medical attention if you think you may have a serious medical problem.
Mucinex description
A synthetic opioid that is used as the hydrochloride. It is an opioid analgesic that is primarily a mu-opioid agonist. It has actions and uses similar to those of morphine. It also has a depressant action on the cough center and may be given to control intractable cough associated with terminal lung cancer. Mucinex is also used as part of the treatment of dependence on opioid drugs, although prolonged use of methadone itself may result in dependence. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1082-3)
Mucinex dosage
Mucinex Dosage
Generic name: Mucinex
Dosage form: tablet, extended release
See also:
- Mucinex Maximum Strength tablet, extended release
The information at Drugs.com is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- do not crush, chew, or break tablet
- take with a full glass of water
- this product can be administered without regard for the timing of meals
- adults and children 12 years of age and over: 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours. Do not exceed 4 tablets in 24 hours.
- children under 12 years of age: do not use
More about Mucinex (Mucinex)
- Side Effects
- During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Dosage Information
- Drug Images
- Support Group
- Pricing & Coupons
- 77 Reviews - Add your own review/rating
Consumer resources
- Mucinex
- Mucinex sustained-release tablets
- Mucinex (Advanced Reading)
- Other brands: Robitussin Chest Congestion, Guiatuss, Organidin NR, Liquibid, More (17) »
Professional resources
- Mucinex (FDA)
- Mucinex (AHFS Monograph)
Other formulations
- Mucinex DM
- Mucinex D
- Mucinex DM Maximum Strength
- More (11) »
Related treatment guides
- Cough
- Bronchiectasis
- Bronchitis
Mucinex interactions
See also:
What other drugs will affect Mucinex?
The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.
To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.
Mucinex is available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your medications to make sure you are not taking more than one product containing Mucinex.
This product can affect the results of certain lab tests (such as urine levels of certain acids). Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk for serious medication problems.
Mucinex side effects
See also:
What are the possible side effects of Mucinex?
Applies to Mucinex: oral liquid, oral packet, oral solution, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
Along with its needed effects, Mucinex (the active ingredient contained in Mucinex) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
Some side effects of Mucinex may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common or rare
- Diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- hives
- nausea or vomiting
- skin rash
- stomach pain
Managing side effects (general information)
Mucinex contraindications
See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Mucinex?
Mucinex is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to methadone hydrochloride or any other ingredient in DOLOPHINE.
Mucinex is contraindicated in any situation where opioids are contraindicated such as: patients with respiratory depression (in the absence of resuscitative equipment or in unmonitored settings), and in patients with acute bronchial asthma or hypercarbia.
Mucinex is contraindicated in any patient who has or is suspected of having a paralytic ileus.
Active ingredient matches for Mucinex:
Unit description / dosage (Manufacturer) | Price, USD |
Tablet, Extended Release; Oral; Guaifenesin 600 mg | |
Tablet, Extended Release; Oral; Guaifenesin 1.2 g | |
Mucinex 600 mg x 40's | |
Mucinex 600 mg x 6's | $ 46.90 |
Mucinex 600 mg x 20's | $ 95.90 |
MUCINEX 600 MG TABLET 1 strip / 10 tablets each (Reckitt Benckiser) | $ 1.81 |
MUCINEX EXPECTORANT 1 bottle / 100 ML expectorant each (Reckitt Benckiser) | $ 0.69 |
Mucinex extended-release tab 600 mg 20's (Reckitt Benckiser) | |
Mucinex tablet, extended release 600 mg/1 (American Health Packaging (US)) | |
Mucinex 600mg Tablet (Reckitt Benckiser) | $ 0.18 |
Mucinex Expectorant (Reckitt Benckiser) | $ 0.01 |
List of Mucinex substitutes (brand and generic names): | |
Mucifar (Dominican Republic) | |
Mucinex Chest Congestion Child | |
Mucinex Children's | |
Mucinex Children's Chest Congestion | |
Mucinex Children's Granules | |
Mucinex Junior Strength | |
Mucinex Junior Strength Granules | |
Mucinex Sustained-Release Tablets | |
Mucinex 美清痰 (Hongkong) | |
Mucinex extentab 600 mg 20's (Reckitt Benckiser) | |
Mucinex extentab 600 mg 6's (Reckitt Benckiser) | |
Muco Patar (Thailand) | |
Muco Patar 30 mg x 500's | |
Muco SR (Egypt) | |
Muco-Aspecton (Germany) | |
Drops; Oral; Ambroxol Hydrochloride (Krewel) | |
Syrup; Oral; Ambroxol Hydrochloride (Krewel) | |
Tablet; Oral; Ambroxol Hydrochloride (Krewel) | |
Muco-Fen | |
Muco-Fen 1200 | |
Muco-Fen 800 | |
Muco-Fen LA | |
Muco-Fen-LA (United States) | |
Muco-Fips (Germany) | |
Muco-Tablinen (Germany) | |
Mucoangin (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Venezuela) | |
Pastilles; Oral; Ambroxol Hydrochloride 20 mg (Boehringer Ingelheim) | |
Mucoangin loz 20 mg / mint-flavored, sugar-free 12's (Boehringer Ingelheim) | $ 0.59 |
Mucoangin 2.5mg (Luxembourg) | |
Mucoangin 20mg (Austria, Hungary, Luxembourg) | |
Mucoaricodil (Italy) | |
Mucoastomari (Japan) | |
Mucobar-S Syrup (India) | |
Mucobar-S Syrup Ambroxol 30 mg, Guaiphenesin100 mg, Salbutamol 2 mg, Menthol 1 mg. SYR / 100ml (Symbiotic) | $ 0.54 |
100ml (Symbiotic) | $ 0.54 |
MUCOBAR-S SYRUP syr 100ml (Symbiotic) | $ 0.54 |
Mucobid-LA | |
Mucobiotic (Peru) | |
Mucobron Forte (Argentina) | |
Mucobron Forte 100's (Medi-Rx) | $ 19.63 |
Mucobron Forte cap 100's (Medi-Rx) | $ 19.63 |
Mucobroncol (Peru) | |
Mucobrox (Thailand) | |
Mucobrox 30 mg x 50 x 10's | |
Mucobrox 30 mg x 500's | |
Mucobrox 30 mg/5 mL x 60 mL | |
Mucobroxol (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Malta, Nicaragua, Panama) | |
Mucobroxol SR (Egypt) | |
Mucobulin (Japan) | |
See 3965 substitutes for Mucinex |
References
- DailyMed. "GUAIFENESIN; HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailyme... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- PubChem. "guaifenesin". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/com... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- PubChem. "ambroxol". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/com... (accessed September 17, 2018).
Reviews
The results of a survey conducted on ndrugs.com for Mucinex are given in detail below. The results of the survey conducted are based on the impressions and views of the website users and consumers taking Mucinex. We implore you to kindly base your medical condition or therapeutic choices on the result or test conducted by a physician or licensed medical practitioners.User reports
Consumer reported useful
No survey data has been collected yetConsumer reported price estimates
No survey data has been collected yetConsumer reported time for results
No survey data has been collected yet1 consumer reported age
Users | % | ||
---|---|---|---|
30-45 | 1 | 100.0% |
Consumer reviews
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Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology