Can You Take Mucinex and Sudafed Together? – TSMP Medical Blog

December 12, 2022December 12, 2022

Nasal congestion can be really annoying. Fortunately, there are many decongesting medications available on the market today. Mucinex and Sudafed are both medications used to relieve the nasal congestion. These medications are mostly over-the-counter medications which can be bought without a prescription. However, can you take the two medications together?

Can You Take Mucinex and Sudafed Together?

Yes, you can take these two medications at the same time. Today, there are a lot of pharmaceutical companies that produce Mucinex and Sudafed as a combination into one pill, which is more suitable for many patients.

Mucinex helps the mucus break up in the sinuses or lungs, while Sudafed is a great decongestant. This means that when these two medications are combined together, or when these medications are taken as a single pill, the treatment efficacy will be greater, helping you remove excessive mucus secretion accumulated in the airways.

However, some Mucinex medications such as Mucinex D and Mucinex DM already contain pseudoephedrine. When they are taken with Sudafed, you may end up taking too much pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine’s sympathomimetic effects on the heart and circulatory system can cause side effects. In cases when you notice one or more of the following signs, consult your doctor immediately:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Faster heartbeat
• Mental changes
• Mood changes
• Swelling
• Difficulties breathing
• Difficulties urinating, etc.

Tips for Safe Use of the Two Medications

Can you take Mucinex and Sudafed together? Normally, you can. But keep the following tips in mind beforehand.

• Don’t take Mucinex and Sudafed when you are using MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days, such as selegiline, rasagiline, phenelzine, etc. When taken together, serious drug interactions can occur, leading to side effects and complications.
• Don’t drink alcoholic beverages or limit their use when taking Mucinex and Sudafed.
• Don’t drive, use machinery or perform any activity that requires you to be alert, as Sudafed can make you dizzy.
• Tell your doctor if you are suffering from high blood pressure, heart diseases, thyroid disorders or diabetes.
• Children are more likely to have problems with restlessness after taking Sudafed.
• Elderly patients are more likely to have problems with an irregular heartbeat, faster heartbeat, difficulties urinating, difficulties sleeping, confusion or dizziness after taking Sudafed.
• Don’t take these medications if you are allergic to pseudoephedrine.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic or have had any reaction to other sympathomimetics such as ephedrine or phenylephrine.
• Don’t use Mucinex and Sudafed if you are pregnant without consulting your doctor first. There is not enough scientific evidence whether these two drugs are not harmful to the developing fetus.

Medications/Substances That Can Interact with Mucinex

Can you take Mucinex and Sudafed together? It has been answered. Does any medication interact with Mucinex? Yes. Mucinex contains guaifenesin which is found in both prescription and non-prescription products. Check the product labels carefully to ensure other medications don’t contain guaifenesin to avoid overdose.

Drug interactions mainly occur when Mucinex D or Mucinex DM are taken at the same time with other medications.

Mucinex D

Mucinex D is a combination medicine that is commonly used for the treatment of common cold, allergies and infections. This medication can be bought without a prescription. However, before taking Mucinex D you should consult your doctor in the following situations:

• You are taking any medications for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart problems.
• You are taking antidepressants.
• You are taking stimulants such as ADHD medications.
• You are taking methyldopa.
• You are taking other cold and cough medications.
• You are taking diet pills, especially diet pills containing caffeine.

Also remember that:

• Don’t take Mucinex D together with alcohol.
• Don’t eat large amounts of chocolates as well.

Mucinex DM

Mucinex DM is a combined medication containing guaifenesin, an expectorant, and dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant. This medication can be bought without a prescription. However, before taking Mucinex DM you should remember that:

• Don’t take Mucinex DM when taking other antidepressants and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.
• Don’t drink alcoholic beverages while taking Mucinex DM.
• Don’t drink grapefruit and other citrus products while taking Mucinex DM.

Medications/Substances That Can Interact with Sudafed

Can you take Mucinex and Sudafed together? You already know the answer. Interactions with Sudafed and other medications mostly occur due to Sudafed’s main ingredient, pseudoephedrine. It is well known that pseudoephedrine interacts with the following medications:

• Antidepressants
• Beta blockers
• Antihypertensive medications
• Digitalis
• Sympathomimetic amines such as ephedrine, amphetamine, methamphetamines, etc.

For safe use of Sudafed, you should:

• Talk to your doctor if you are taking any herbal medications, vitamin or diet supplements, etc.
• Avoid large amounts of caffeine when taking Sudafed as the side effects of pseudoephedrine can just get worse.

Can You Take Sudafed and Mucinex Together?

Getty Images/Tom Merton

When you get a cold and a cough, you have a lot of over-the-counter options to help you feel better. Sudafed and Mucinex are two of them, and, yes, you can take them together (with a quick warning we’ll discuss below). “They are commonly taken together to treat symptoms like stuffy nose and cough, which may be caused by the common cold or allergies,” says Claudia Rondon, Pharm. D., a clinical pharmacist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Let’s take a look at both of these popular medications, how they work, and which side effects you should know about.

What Is Sudafed?

Sudafed is the brand name for the medication pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. When you get a cold, the flu, a sinus infection, or allergies, blood vessels in your nose become swollen and inflamed. That causes congestion and the stuffy feeling in your nose. Pseudoephedrine helps relieve that inflammation by constricting those blood vessels. That counters the swelling, which in turn reduces sinus pressure and helps fluids to drain. The result: you can breathe more easily, says Dr. Rondon.

As far as medications go, Sudafed works pretty quickly. “Pseudoephedrine will start to work and relieve symptoms within 15 to 30 minutes of taking the medication,” says Mary Catherine Platz, Pharm.D., a pharmacy resident at the University of West Virginia School of Pharmacy in Morgantown, WV. Pseudoephedrine should not be taken for longer than indicated on label (typically 7 days), unless prescribed otherwise by provider.

Sudafed Side Effects

While Sudafed is a very common over-the-counter drug, like any medication, it comes with a set of potential side effects. Starting with sleep issues. Because Sudafed is a stimulant, it can cause insomnia if you take it less than a few hours before bedtime. Sudafed also may make you feel nervous or restless.

Other potential side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Headache

• Restlessness

More serious side effects also can occur. Call your doctor right away if any of the following develop:

• Nervousness

• Dizziness

• Stomach pain

• Racing or irregular heartbeat

• Breathing problems

Sudafed Complications

Like all drugs, Sudafed has the potential for other health complications, so you should be cautious, especially if you have high blood pressure. “Taking pseudoephedrine can cause your blood pressure to increase,” says Dr. Platz, “so do not take this medication if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.”

Blood pressure is not the only concern, says Dr. Rondon, who advises that you check with your doctor before taking pseudoephedrine if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Coronary artery disease

• Diabetes

• Kidney disease

• Seizure disorder

• Thyroid disease

• Glaucoma

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or benign enlarged prostate

Drugs That Interact With Sudafed

Check with your doctor before taking Sudafed if you take or have taken within the past two weeks a type of antidepressant called an MAO inhibitor such as Marplan (isocarboxazid). Sudafed, or other drugs containing pseudoephidrine, also interacts with a number of other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Sudafed if you take any of the following, per the International Journal of Molecular Sciences:

• Antacids and proton pump inhibitors that reduce stomach acid

• Appetite suppressants

• Blood pressure medications, including Aldoment (methyldopa), Ismelin (guanethidine), and Serpasil (reserpine).

• Digitalis glycosides for irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia

• Migraine medications Cafergot and Ergomar (both are ergotamine) and Migranal (dihydroergotamine)

• Phenylephrine, a decongestant

• Tricyclic antidepressants

• Zyvox (linezolid), an antibiotic

Dr. Platz cautions that you should also limit your caffeine consumption while taking Sudafed because pseudoephedrine is a stimulant. “Having too much caffeine may make you feel more shaky than normal,” says Dr. Platz.

What Is Mucinex?

Mucinex is the brand name for the drug guaifenesin. It is an expectorant, a type of cough medicine that helps loosen mucus. “Guaifenesin makes mucus thinner so that it can be cleared from your throat and chest easier when you have a cold or the flu,” says Dr. Platz.

While Mucinex can relieve your cough temporarily, it does not speed recovery. It comes in both liquid and pill form. Dr. Platz says that Mucinex tablets are typically large, but she warns people not to crush or chew them. “It is important to take this medication whole,” she says. “Breaking the tablet will cause too much medication to be released at once.”

Another important tip: drink extra fluids, especially water, when you take this medication. “This will help to loosen your congestion and lubricate your throat during coughing episodes,” says Dr. Platz.

Mucinex Side Effects

Guaifenesin is generally considered safe to take, but it does have some potential side effects. They include:

• Constipation

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Nausea and vomiting

Our experts say that guaifenesin has no known drug interactions to be concerned about, but always let your doctor know you are taking Mucinex when discussing other potential medications.

Can Take You Take Sudafed and Mucinex Together?

The short answer is yes.

“No specific drug interactions are expected between the two,” says Dr. Rondon.

However, she cautions that you should make sure you know what you are buying, because some formulations for cough or congestion include both drugs. For example, Mucinex-D is a combined product that contains both guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. So taking this med, plus an additional dose of either drug, could lead to taking a double dose. Over-the-counter products that contain both guaifenesin with pseudoephedrine include:

• Mucinex D

• Mucinex D Max Strength

“It is important to understand that these medications can be purchased as combination products or as two separate products,” says Dr. Platz. “If you need assistance in picking out the correct product, ask a pharmacist for help.”

A final note: Guaifenesin may also be an ingredient in other over the counter cold medications, so it is important to inspect ingredients and/or check with your provider if you have any questions. Both guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine should not be given to children of 4 years or younger.

Notes: This article was originally published November 28, 2022 and most recently updated January 26, 2023.

Guaifenesin: MedlinePlus. (2022.) “Guaifenesin.” https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682494.html

Pseudoephedrine: MedlinePlus. (2018.) “Pseudoephedrine.” https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682619.html

Pseudoephedrine: International Journal of Molecular Science. (2021.) “Pseudoephedrine – Benefits and Risks.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8152226/

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Sudafed vs Mucinex: Differences, Similarities & What’s Best for You – Drug Vs. Friend

Home >> Drug Vs. Friend >> Sudafed vs Mucinex: Differences, Similarities & Which is Best for You

Drug Vs. Friend

Drug Overview and Key Differences | Conditions of treatment | Efficiency | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug Interactions | Warnings | FAQ

Sudafeda and Mucinex are two very popular over-the-counter drugs for treating symptoms associated with the common cold, such as nasal and chest congestion, runny nose and cough.

What are the main differences between Mucinex and Sudafed?

Sudafed contains a nasal decongestant called pseudoephedrine (there are also newer products containing phenylephrine under the brand name Sudafed-PE). Sudafed helps relieve nasal congestion.

Mucinex (Mucinex coupons | Mucinex details) contains an expectorant called guaifenesin. Guaifenesin helps thin and relax chest congestion when you have a phlegmatic cough. Some Mucinex formulations also contain other ingredients such as dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant.

Although both drugs treat cold symptoms, Sudafed and Mucinex work differently. It is important to note that there are many products on the shelves with multiple ingredients, including pseudoephedrine or guaifenesin, or both, but here we will only focus on the Sudafed vs Mucinex single ingredient product. When shopping at a pharmacy, a pharmacist can help you figure out which product(s) best suits your needs.

Main differences between Mucinex and Sudafed
	Sudafed	Mucinex 90 038
Drug class	Nasal decongestant	Expectorant (for chest congestion, phlegm cough )
Brand/generic status	Brand and generic	Brand and generic
What is the common name?	Pseudoephedrine	Guaifenesin
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Immediate and extended release tablets, baby liquid	Liquid tablets (child and adult versions available), mini melts for children
What is the standard dosage?	Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 30 mg tablets, 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 120 mg extended release tablets. 1 tablet every 12 hours as needed	Adults: 600 mg extended release tablets. 1-2 tablets every 12 hours with a full glass of water.
How long does a typical treatment take?	Short term, as needed to relieve symptoms	Short term, as needed to relieve symptoms
Who usually takes this medicine?	Children over 4 years old, adults	Children over 4 years old, adults

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Conditions treated by Sudafed and Mucinex

Sudafed (Sudafed coupons | Sudafed details) is a nasal decongestant used to temporarily relieve sinus congestion and pressure. It also temporarily relieves nasal congestion caused by colds, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies.
Mucinex is a decongestant or expectorant that helps loosen phlegm (mucus). It also helps to thin bronchial secretions, help to cough up and get rid of mucus (sometimes called a productive cough).

9003 2

Condition	Sudafed	Mucinex
Temporary relief of sinus congestion and pressure	yes	No
Temporary relief of nasal congestion from colds, hay fever, allergies secret	No	yes

Sudafed or Mucinex are more effective ?

Since Sudafed treats nasal congestion and Mucinex treats chest congestion/productive cough, comparing their effectiveness is like comparing apples to oranges as they are different medicines for different indications. However, we can look at the effectiveness of each drug.

Sudafed has proven to be a safe and effective treatment for nasal congestion. Mucinex has been proven to be safe and effective in treating breast congestion.

Both Sudafed and Mucinex can be very effective in treatment; However, when choosing a remedy for yourself, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider, who has a complete medical history and can help you select the most appropriate remedy.

Coverage and cost comparison of Sudafed and Mucinex

Sudafed is not usually covered by insurance or Medicare Part D. The standard dosage you can get at the pharmacy is a box of 24 tablets (30 mg) with a standard price of $5-10.

Mucinex is also not usually covered by insurance or Medicare Part D. The standard dosage, which you can buy at a pharmacy, is a box of 20 tablets (600 mg, extended release) for a typical price of $10-15.

You can use the SingleCare card to save on Sudafedili or Mucinex.

90 036 Typical Medicare Part D 9 copay0039

	Sudafed	Mucinex
Usually covered?	No	No
Usually covered by Medicare Part D?	No	No
Standard dosage	Box of 24 tablets of 30 mg	Box of 20 tablets of 600 mg
N/A	N/A
SingleCare cost	US$4-5	US$11-12

9001 5 Common side effects of Sudafed and Mucinex

Common side effects of Sudafed include nervousness, restlessness and sleep problems. Less common side effects may include headache, heart palpitations, or painful urination.

Side effects are rare with Mucinex but may include dizziness, headache, diarrhea or nausea.

Whether you are taking Sudafed or Mucinex, be sure to follow the instructions on the package and do not exceed the maximum recommended dose. If you have any unpleasant side effects, stop taking the medicine and talk to your doctor.

Sudafed and Mucinex drug interactions

Patients taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as selegiline or tranylcypromine should not take Sudafed at the same time or for two weeks after stopping the MAOI.

Sudafed also interacts with some antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline) or Desirel (trazodone). You should also check with your doctor if you are taking certain medications such as Xanax (Alprazolam), headache medications such as Fioricet, ADHD medications, and pain relievers. The list of drugs that can potentially interact with Sudafed is too long to list here; consult your doctor for more information.

Mucinex (guaifenesin) by itself does not have any significant drug interactions, but there are drug interactions with combination products that contain guaifenesin with other medicines such as Mucinex-DM or Mucinex-D. Consult with your physician. Mucinex MAOI Eldepril (selegiline), Parnat (tranylcypromine) yes no 36 Desirel (trazodone), Elavil (amitriptyline), Pamelor (nortriptyline) yes no Benzodiazepines Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam) yes no noah pain Fioricet (butalbital), acetaminophen, caffeine, yes no 6 yes no ADHD medications Vyvanse ( lisdexamfetamine) yes no

Sudafed and Mucinex warnings

Sudafed has a few warnings to keep in mind. This can cause nervousness, dizziness, or insomnia. As stated above, if you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as selegiline or tranylcypromine, do not take Sudafed. Also, wait two weeks after stopping an MAOI before using Sudafed.

If you have certain health problems, you should consult your doctor before taking Sudafed. These include heart problems, high blood pressure (hypertension), thyroid disease, diabetes, or an enlarged prostate.

Sudafed should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy. You may be able to use Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) in your second or third trimester but check with your healthcare provider. Sudafed can sometimes be used while breastfeeding, but only with a doctor’s approval. Sudafed-PE (Phenylephrine) should not be used during pregnancy.

Mucinex also has several warnings. You should consult your doctor before using Mucinex if you have a persistent or chronic cough similar to that which occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema; or cough with very much mucus.

Mucinex extended release tablets must not be crushed or chewed. The tablet should be taken with a full glass of water. Mucinex may be used during pregnancy and with caution while breastfeeding if approved by your healthcare provider. Children under four years of age should not take cold medicines such as Sudafed or Mucinex. Consult with your physician.

Sudafed or Mucinex may be useful in treating symptoms; however, they do not treat bacterial infections such as a sinus infection. If your symptoms are severe or not improving, be sure to see your doctor because you may need antibiotics.

Frequently asked questions about Sudafed and Mucinex

What is Sudafed?

Sudafed contains a nasal decongestant called pseudoephedrine. Helps relieve nasal congestion due to colds, hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.

What is Mucinex?

Mucinex contains an expectorant called guaifenesin. Guaifenesin helps loosen and relax chest congestion associated with phlegm or a productive cough.

Are Sudafed and Mucinex the same thing?

No. Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine and is used for nasal congestion or congestion. Mucinex contains guaifenesin and is used to relieve chest congestion.

Which is better: Sudafed or Mucinex?

Each medicine is used for a different purpose. If you have nasal congestion and none of the health conditions listed in the warnings above, you may take Sudafed. And if you are coughing up a lot of phlegm, you can take Mucinex.

Can I use Sudafed or Mucinex during pregnancy?

Consult your healthcare professional for personalized advice. Generally, Sudafed should not be taken in the first trimester, but can sometimes be taken in the second and third trimester unless you have heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. Sudafed-PE (Phenylephrine) is not recommended during pregnancy.

Mucinex is generally safe to use during pregnancy. Again, be sure to check with your doctor before using Sudafed or Mucinex during pregnancy.

Can I use Sudafed or Mucinex with alcohol?

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking these medicines. Some forms of Sudafed or Mucinex are available as combination medicines containing several medicines in one. Alcohol can make some of these medicines work harder, make side effects worse, and cause more problems. It is safer to wait until you feel better before drinking alcohol.

Can Mucinex and Sudafed be taken together?

You can take them together if you have a stuffy nose or a wet cough.

Which is better: Sudafed or Mucinex nasal drops?

It depends on what symptoms you are experiencing. If you feel like you have a lot of phlegm, Mucinex might be worth a try. If the drip is accompanied by nasal congestion, you can try Sudafed. You can also try using a humidifier in your room, drinking plenty of fluids, using a nasal rinse solution, and sleeping with your head on pillows.

Mucinex is a decongestant?

Mucinex is considered a chest decongestant because it loosens mucus and helps to expectorate it. It is of no use if you have a stuffy nose or nasal congestion.

Can I take Mucinex and Sudafed at the same time?

A person can take Mucinex and Sudafed at the same time; According to Drugs.com, there is no interaction between the two drugs, but it is always important for people who plan to take drugs together to consult a professional pharmacist. Mucinex is classified as an expectorant and is used to treat coughs and bronchitis. Sudafed is a decongestant medicine indicated for the treatment of nasal congestion.

BJC Health Care explains that Mucinex can be taken at the same time as Sudafed, but it is important for people with high blood pressure to check with their doctor before taking any nasal decongestants as decongestants can increase blood pressure. BJC Health Care recommends that patients consume Mucinex products with plenty of water to minimize thick mucus.

According to Web MD, Sudafed may cause harmful interactions when combined with caffeine, dextroamphetamine, herbal products such as ephedra, and bronchodilators such as albuterol and terbutaline.