What is Mucinex for?

Mucinex is a drug that combines the expectorant and decongestant properties of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. These components are effective substances for thinning and loosening excess mucus in the airways. Therefore, mucinex is used to treat nasal congestion, chest congestion and to relieve coughs.

What is mucinex or guaifenesin

Mucinex is an oral drug that is marketed in tablet or tablet form. Its composition is based mainly on the presence of two active principles: guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine, two elements that together create an effective drug for the treatment of cases of airway congestion and cough.

Guaifenesin is the active principle that gives mucinex its properties as an expectorant. It works at the level of the lungs, modifying the shape of the phlegm so that it can be easily expelled through the sputum. In this way, it helps relieve chest congestion, expelling as much phlegm and cleaning the lungs.

The pseudoephedrine in mucinex contributes its action as a decongestant. Decongestants temporarily decrease the size of the blood vessels located in the nasal area. In this way, it causes the opposite effect to that of large blood vessels that are responsible for a stuffy nose.

What is mucinex or guaifenesin for?

Mucinex is used to treat symptoms related to allergies, colds, flu or hay fever. Mucinex is also used to treat other conditions and may be recommended at the discretion of the physician.

As a protection mechanism, the body usually produces mucus regularly to eliminate external elements, such as allergens, that are inhaled during the normal process of breathing.

When you have a cold or other respiratory illness, mucus can build up and become difficult to remove. To decongest the airways, mucinex can be used alone or in combination with other medications, such as antitussives or decongestants, to treat multiple symptoms. Although the sale of mucinex is free, it is recommended to consult a doctor to receive the appropriate treatment.

Mucinex serves as an expectorant

Guaifenesin, one of the components of Mucinex, acting as a powerful expectorant allows to subtly eliminate mucous secretions. The removal of accumulated mucus in the thorax region is carried out by coughing, the mouth being the way out.

Mucinex to eliminate cough

The combination of the properties of guaifenesin and dextromethorphan in Mucinex DM serve to eliminate cough, in addition to its contribution to clear chest congestion. This medicine can be obtained in its normal action and maximum potency presentation.

Mucinex to decongest the airways

The relief of congestion of the chest and nose is carried out thanks to the joint action of pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin present in Mucinex D. In any of its presentations, the tablets of this medicine have the same purpose, although in different periods of time. To determine the most appropriate type of medication for the patient and his condition, the doctor should be consulted.

Mucinex to relieve airway congestion in children

For the treatment with Mucinex in children you can choose between two presentations of the drug:

• Mucinex Mini-Melts, this presentation contains guaifenesin with dextromethorphan and is sold as flavored granules.
• Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold, this liquid form of the drug contains phenylephrine in addition to dextomethorphan and guaifenesin.

Although these medications may be labeled for pediatric use, they should not be given to children under 4 years of age.

Dose the Mucinex

This medicine must be administered exactly as indicated in the package leaflet or as indicated by the treating physician. If the patient is not sure about the use of the medicine, he should consult with his doctor.

The following are the recommended doses of Mucinex, which may vary at the discretion of the prescribing physician:

• Adults and children over 12 years of age should take only 1 or 2 capsules every 12 hours and no more than 4 capsules in a 24-hour period.
• Children under 12 years old should not take this medicine.

Other medicines similar to Mucinex

Like Mucinex, there are other medications to treat cough and allergy symptoms that have been found to be very effective.

Dextromethorphan what is it for

It is an antitussive agent that works by blocking the signals emitted by the brain that cause episodes of constant dry cough, related to a problem in the airways.

Phenylephrine what is it for

This drug acts as a decongestant and dilator of the blood vessels at the level of the nose, to eliminate nasal decongestion.

Robitussin what is it for

It is a cough suppressant and expectorant, which serves to calm dry coughs and to allow the expulsion of mucus produced by phlegm usually caused by a cold or flu.

Side effects and precautions

Mucinex is generally very well tolerated by patients for whom it is prescribed. In fact, guaifenesin is a widely used expectorant due to the absence of serious side effects. However, among the most common side effects have been reported: nausea, stomach problems and vomiting. Stomach pain and diarrhea have also been reported.

Less frequent side effects

Nervous system problems

Side effects involving the nervous system are sometimes visible in people taking guaifenesin, including dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches. Several investigations have indicated that only 3% of patients reported some type of side effect on the nervous system.

Skin rash

A rash is an even rarer side effect, but it sometimes occurs in people taking guaifenesin. Skin irritation can sometimes include hives.

Not all the side effects associated with taking Mucinex are shown in this list. Therefore, in case of appearance of other strange signs, the patient should consult his doctor to clear all his doubts and fears.

Alarming side effects

It is imperative to consult a doctor about the existence of any of these unusual symptoms that can occur when taking this type of medication.

• Alterations in heart rhythm (it can speed up or slow down).
• Headache that tends to be excruciating.
• Radical alterations in mood
• Pictures of severe anxiety and feeling light-headed.
• Increased blood pressure associated with symptoms: excruciating headache, decreased vision, disoriented state, chest pain and agitation, seizures and arrhythmia problems.

Mucinex contraindications

This medicine has some contraindications in special situations, which must always be taken into account.

Mucinex and children under 6 years of age

Medical opinion should be sought if Mucinex or any over-the-counter cough medicine is administered to a child under 6 years of age. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends that children under the age of 4 never take over-the-counter or over-the-counter cough remedies.

Mucinex with other cough drugs

Care should be taken when mixing Mucinex with other similar remedies that you might be consuming, such as cough syrups or allergy tablets. It is recommended to read the ingredient lists carefully to avoid overdosing on any of them.

If the cough lasts for more than a week or is accompanied by fever, rashes or persistent headaches, you should stop taking Mucinex and consult a doctor.

Mucinex in pregnancy

In case of pregnancy, suspicion or if the patient plans to be pregnant in a short time or is breastfeeding, the doctor should be consulted about the advisability of using this medicine.

Mucinex and machinery handling

Mucinex could have a sedative effect so it is contraindicated in cases where it is necessary to drive or operate heavy machinery.

In conclusions Mucinex is useful for the respiratory tract

There are several types of mucinex, each of them is indicated for a particular condition. Although these conditions may present certain differences, in general they all coincide with problems related to the respiratory tract. Therefore, mucinex is a medicine for the treatment of problems related to congestion of the nostrils or in the chest area.