Mucinex: Its uses, side effects, and FAQs

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Mucinex: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Mucinex?

Mucinex is a medication that helps in relieving symptoms of colds, infections, and allergies. Mucinex is the trade name for the drug Guaifenesin. It is mainly an expectorant, which means it reduces phlegm and clears the airway. It works by increasing the volume and lowering the viscosity of the phlegm produced in the airways and lungs. This causes coughing out all the excess mucus. It is an over-the-counter medication that is available in both liquid and oral tablet form.

What are the uses of Mucinex?

One of the symptoms of the common cold and other infections is blocked airways. It causes difficulty in breathing. Mucinex is an expectorant, so its main function is to provide temporary relief from congested airways. It loosens the thick mucus and makes breathing easy. Its effect on relieving cough is not clear. One of the off-label uses of this medication is a centrally acting muscle relaxant. It is commonly used with dextromethorphan to suppress coughing.

What are the side effects of Mucinex?

The following are a few of the side effects of Mucinex.

Nausea

Vomiting

Drowsiness

Dizziness

Headache

Rash

Dry mouth and lips

Constipation

Diarrhea

Kidney stones – may occur with long-term use

It is very rare to experience an allergic reaction to this drug. But if you are seeing any of the following signs, stop taking the medication immediately and consult a doctor.

Itching

Swelling of eyes, face, tongue

Redness

Watering of eyes

Difficulty in breathing

Frequently Asked Questions about Mucinex

Yes, Mucinex and Tamiflu are safe to use together. There are no known drug interactions between these two drugs. However, it is always safe to consult your doctor before taking any new medication.

Mucinex DM contains dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin. Both of these do not affect blood pressure. Sometimes it may affect heart rate in older patients. Always consult a doctor if you have a heart condition.

There is varied information that suggests Mucinex can loosen cervical mucus and increase fertility. However, there is no scientific data that proves that this medication can increase the chances of conceiving.

GERD or gastrointestinal reflux disease is a condition that causes stomach acid to move into the esophagus. Two of its symptoms are chronic coughing and excess mucus. The treatment for GERD does not include an expectorant. A report mentions that Mucinex can worsen GERD.

No, it is not recommended to take expired Mucinex. Most commonly, the expired drug loses its potency and does not work well.

Mucinex DM can cause sleepiness and insomnia. Some people experience sleeplessness if they take it in the late afternoon. Try to take it 30 minutes before bedtime if you are having trouble sleeping due to excessive coughing.

Mucinex is safe in diabetic patients. However, some syrup from expectorants can have sugar in them. The pill form of this medication is safe in people with dietary restrictions. It is recommended to consult a doctor if you have diabetes or any other condition.

No, Mucinex does not raise blood pressure. It does not have any ingredients that affect blood pressure. Therefore, it is considered safe in people with high blood pressure. But it is still recommended to consult a doctor if you want to take Mucinex.

Mucinex is a drug that has Guaifenesin as its ingredient. Its function is to remove mucus. It does that by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of the mucus. This thins the phlegm and makes it easy to cough it out.

Yes, Mucinex gets rid of phlegm in the throat. Its main function is to remove phlegm from the throat, airway, and lungs.

Yes, one of the side effects of Mucinex is diarrhea. But it is a rare side effect. It can occur if you take it in excessive amounts.

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