Mucinex Side Effects

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Mucinex is FDA-approved as an over-the-counter "non-drowsy" cold and allergy medication that relieves nasal and chest congestion by loosening the mucus that causes it.[1] It contains the active ingredient guaifenesin, or a combination of guaifenesin and other ingredients in some formulas. Mucinex D contains guaifenesin along with pseudoephedrine.[2] Mucinex is also effective as a cough suppressant. The brand is available in at least 21 different forms, including tablets, lozenges, nasal sprays, and both adult and children's liquids.[3]

Mucinex is an expectorant that clears the nasal and bronchial passages and allows patients to breathe more easily. Mucinex is not a cure for any illness; it only treats symptoms, and does not enhance recovery. Mucinex side effects include headaches, nausea and vomiting. Other adverse reactions are possible as well.[2]



Mucinex.com
Brand name for  
Manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser Inc.[1]
Generic available? Yes[4]
Uses Relieves chest and sinus congestion[1]
Common side effects Headaches, nausea and vomiting[2]
Who should not take Mucinex? People using MAO inhibitors
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

Common Mucinex Side Effects

The most common side effects of original Mucinex expectorant are headache and upset stomach. Other side effects are possible with other Mucinex products, which contain multiple active ingredients. For example, the pseudoephedrine in Mucinex D can cause restlessness, weakness, nervousness and insomnia. Taking multiple doses can increase the likelihood of side effects.[5]

About Drug Side Effects

Drug Side Effects

Mucinex Allergic Reactions

Serious allergic reactions to Mucinex are unusual. Signs of a severe reaction include dizziness; rash; swelling or itching of the tongue, throat, lips or face; and trouble breathing. Allergic reactions to Mucinex can stem from an allergy to active ingredient guaifenesine; they can also come from any one of the inactive ingredients in Mucinex, which vary by version.[6] For example, the inactive ingredients in original Mucinex are hypromellose, carbomer 934P, magnesium stearate, FD&C blue #1 aluminum lake, sodium starch glycolate and microcrystalline cellulose.[7]

Mucinex Precautions and Warnings

The manufacturer recommends that before taking Mucinex, patients mention to a doctor or healthcare provider if they have any history of breathing problems, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, smoker's cough, asthma, or a cough that produces large amounts of mucus or blood. If the coughing persists for longer than a week, or comes with a fever, rash, or chronic headache, these could be symptoms of serious illness that requires a different course of treatment.[7]

The FDA warns that some unapproved prescription combination cold and cough drugs can cause major adverse reactions in children, and are sometimes even fatal. OTC Mucinex does not fall under this category; however, unapproved prescription varieties of Mucinex do, and can be dangerous. Parents are advised to be aware of which cold medications they are giving their children, and to consult a pharmacist before use.[8]


Also See: Robitussin Coupons, Nyquil Coupons, Zyrtec Coupons, Sudafed Coupons, Tamiflu Coupons

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.mucinex.com/html/
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000696
  3. http://www.rbnainfo.com/productpro/ProductSearch.do?searchType=ST&template=1&searchTerm=mucinex&Submit=SEARCH
  4. http://www.medicinenet.com/guaifenesin/article.htm
  5. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682619.html
  6. http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63818-Mucinex+Oral.aspx?drugid=63818&drugname=Mucinex+Oral
  7. 7.0 7.1 http://www.mucinex.com/pdfs/mucinex.pdf
  8. http://www.news-medical.net/news/2007/05/28/25649.aspx



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