Guaifenesin (Mucinex): 600 vs 1200 mg, Mucinex DM and how to take it
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- Mucinex 600 mg extended-release tablets. Best for: Flexible dosing for chest congestion. See options on Amazon
- Mucinex Maximum Strength 1200 mg. Best for: One tablet per dose. See options on Amazon
- Mucinex DM. Best for: Chest congestion with a bothersome cough. See options on Amazon
Three Mucinex tablets compared
| Product | Active ingredients per tablet | Adult dose (12 and over) |
|---|---|---|
| Mucinex | Guaifenesin 600 mg | 1 or 2 every 12 hours; max 4 in 24 hours |
| Mucinex Maximum Strength | Guaifenesin 1200 mg | 1 every 12 hours; max 2 in 24 hours |
| Mucinex DM | Guaifenesin 600 mg plus dextromethorphan HBr 30 mg | 1 or 2 every 12 hours; max 4 in 24 hours |
Details are from each product's DailyMed label. All three are extended-release tablets and are not for children under 12. Two standard Mucinex tablets equal the guaifenesin in one Maximum Strength tablet, so do not take both products together.
What guaifenesin does
Guaifenesin's purpose on the label is expectorant. The labels say it helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus and make coughs more productive. In other words, it is meant to help you cough mucus up, not to stop a cough.
If your main problem is a dry, hacking cough that keeps you awake, a cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan targets that; Mucinex DM combines both. For a non-drug option, see our honey cough syrup guide.
The Mucinex DM label adds uses for its dextromethorphan: it temporarily relieves cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants, and reduces the intensity of coughing and the impulse to cough to help you get to sleep. If you only need to loosen mucus, plain Mucinex avoids taking a cough suppressant you may not need.
How to take Mucinex
- Swallow whole. Do not crush, chew or break the extended-release tablet.
- Drink water. Take it with a full glass of water.
- Food is optional. The labels say it can be taken without regard for the timing of meals.
- Every 12 hours. Stick to the 12-hour spacing and the daily maximum on the box.
- Check other products. Many multi-symptom cold medicines also contain guaifenesin or dextromethorphan, so read Drug Facts labels to avoid doubling up.
Staying hydrated and using humid air may also help with thick mucus; see our cool mist humidifier guide.
Warnings
- Children under 12: do not use.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have a persistent or chronic cough, such as occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, or a cough with too much phlegm.
- Mucinex DM and MAOIs. Do not use Mucinex DM if you take a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 2 weeks of stopping one.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: ask a health professional before use.
- Overdose: get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
When to see a doctor
Stop use and ask a doctor if a cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash or persistent headache. The labels say these could be signs of a serious illness. Also seek care for shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, coughing up blood, or a high fever.
For a scratchy throat during a cold, see our throat lozenges guide, and for nasal congestion, our decongestant tablets guide and saline nasal spray guide.
Ingredients and storage
The Mucinex and Mucinex Maximum Strength labels list inactive ingredients including carbomer homopolymer type B, FD&C blue no. 1 aluminum lake, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium starch glycolate. Store tablets at 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F). If you avoid dyes, check the inactive ingredient list before you buy, and keep all cough and cold medicines out of reach of children.
What to look for when you buy
Mucinex 600 mg extended-release tablets
Best for: Flexible dosing for chest congestion
Its label lists guaifenesin 600 mg, 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours.
Watch out: Not more than 4 tablets in 24 hours.
See options on AmazonMucinex Maximum Strength 1200 mg
Best for: One tablet per dose
Its label lists guaifenesin 1200 mg, 1 tablet every 12 hours.
Watch out: Not more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.
See options on AmazonMucinex DM
Best for: Chest congestion with a bothersome cough
Its label lists guaifenesin 600 mg plus dextromethorphan HBr 30 mg.
Watch out: Do not use with an MAOI or within 2 weeks of stopping one.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What does guaifenesin do?
- It helps loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive, per the labels.
- Is Mucinex Maximum Strength twice as strong?
- It has 1200 mg guaifenesin per tablet versus 600 mg in regular Mucinex.
- What is the difference between Mucinex and Mucinex DM?
- Mucinex DM adds dextromethorphan HBr 30 mg, a cough suppressant.
- Can I cut Mucinex tablets in half?
- No. The labels say do not crush, chew or break the extended-release tablet.
- Can kids take Mucinex?
- These tablets are not for children under 12, per the labels.
- When should I see a doctor for a cough?
- If it lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash or persistent headache.
Sources
- Mucinex (guaifenesin 600 mg) extended-release tablet label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Mucinex Maximum Strength (guaifenesin 1200 mg) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Mucinex DM (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine