Expectorants are administered for thinning down the mucus in your nasal airways. When combined with cough suppressant meds, you tend to witness relief from coughing spells. Mucinex DM contains a combination of cough suppressant chemicals and an expectorant. On the other hand, meds such as Mucinex D are used for decongesting nasal pathways and a few respiratory conditions. But, what are the differences between Mucinex DM and Mucinex D? It becomes essential to have added inputs how these two drugs work prior to consuming them.
What is Mucinex DM?
This drug is developed on a combination of meds called dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. The former is grouped under a genre called cough-suppressing meds while the latter is an expectorant. Dextromethorphan works on a few brain cells and decreases the urge of coughing. Expectorants used in the med loosen the mucus to clear congested pathways. This combinatorial med is used for the treatment of a wide range of conditions such as bronchial asthma, bronchitis, common colds as well as a few respiratory problems.
This med is unsafe when taken by children – especially, those aged below 6 years. Also, the sustained-release version of this drug is never given to patients below 12 years of age without the supervision/guidance of a qualified doctor. Also, it must not be administered to make children fall asleep. Moreover, it can be dangerous to take it along with meds for treating the common cold, cold, and/or flu.
What is Mucinex D?
This again is a combinatorial drug used for clearing congestions inside your nasal airways, coughing sensation, and allergic conditions like hay fever or other breathing difficulties. This med is however never used for treating coughs induced by chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD), smoking, or other lung-related conditions. The key ingredients used in this drug are pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin. Of these two chemicals, pseudoephedrine helps decongest nasal airways. It acts by narrowing or shrinking the blood vessels carrying blood to your nose.
The other key item – guaifenesin – works as an expectorant. This helps to break the mucus down and thus eases nasal blocks; this is also used for easing up your respiratory cycles. Some people may use this med through a self-medication route. It is recommended to read all the instructions printed on the pack prior to using this med.
What are the differences between Mucinex DM and Mucinex D?
The key difference in between these two meds is: Mucinex DM contains a cough suppressant and an expectorant while Mucinex D has a nasal decongesting chemical and expectorant combination. Both have a sizable share of the expectorant guaifenesin. Cough suppressing chemical – dextromethorphan – is not available in Mucinex D. Similarly, the decongestant – pseudoephedrine – does not form part of Mucinex DM.
Both are sold as tablets which are administered through the oral route. No two persons are administered the same medication plan. Your dose frequency and strength will depend on the severity of your medical condition, age, body weight, and prior ailments, if any. The typical dosage plan involves the intake of one tablet within a 24-hour timeline. In some one-off instances, two or three tablets are administered. If the patient is aged 12 years (or below), these drugs may not be safe or them. In such cases, it is highly recommended to talk to your treating physician prior to starting your treatment plan.
Mucinex DM is also available in a liquid form. As the dosage strength is fairly high, it is never administered onto younger adults or children. Mucinex DM may cause a few adverse side effects like difficulties too pass stools, mental conditions such as being confused or restless. Both meds may cause unwanted effects such as migraines, pain in the lower abdomen, discharge of watery stools, etc. Upon sensing one or more of these undesired reactions, it becomes essential to talk to your caregiving team without much delay.