Mucinex what is it for

Learn more: Symptoms of kidney stones ». Mucinex is an expectorant. Mucinex comes in tablets or a liquid. Only people who are 12 years and older should take the tablets. They are not approved for use in children younger than 12 years.

Both of these products are specifically marked for children on the packaging. Side effects of Mucinex in children are generally the same as they are in adults. And if you do have any, the side effects are usually mild. If Mucinex upsets your stomach, taking it with food or milk may help. You should only use Mucinex for cough and chest congestion from mucus buildup. If you have other types of coughs or are not sure what is causing your cough, talk to your doctor before using Mucinex.

You should also check first with your doctor before using Mucinex if you take other medications or have other medical conditions. If you have a persistent cough, you likely have mucus in your chest. While not life-threatening, it can affect your quality of life and even lead to…. Chest pain and cough can be from something as simple as the flu. But, it could also be a sign of something more serious, such as pneumonia, bronchitis,. An expectorant is something that helps loosen mucus so you can cough it up.

Learn about natural ways to treat your cough. Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Method 1. Follow the dosage directions on the package.

Mucinex comes in several concentrations and formulations. Read the package directions carefully to make sure you know how much Mucinex to take, and how often. The correct dosage may also vary depending on your symptoms, your age, and other considerations. Do not take more than the recommended amount of Mucinex unless your doctor directs you to do so. Most short-acting doses should be taken once every 4 hours.

Extended-release or long-acting doses should be taken once every 12 hours. Adults and children over 12 can take 1 or 2 tablets that are mg every 12 hours. Do not take more than 4 tablets within 24 hours.

Take Mucinex with lots of water. Keeping yourself hydrated can make Mucinex more effective. Drinking warm, clear liquids, such as broth, tea, or warm apple juice, can also help loosen your mucus and relieve congestion. Swallow Mucinex tablets or capsules whole. Crushing, chewing, or breaking open tablets can make them less effective.

Crushing or chewing an extended-release medication can release the medicine into your system too quickly, potentially causing harmful effects. Avoid driving or using machinery while taking Mucinex. Mucinex is a relatively safe medication, but it can cause drowsiness. For this reason, you should not operate heavy machinery, drive for long periods, or drink alcohol while taking Mucinex.

You may not want to perform tasks that require heavy concentration while you are taking it. Ask your doctor about taking Mucinex with other medications. There are no known drug interactions for guaifenesin, the primary active ingredient in Mucinex.

These ingredients may interact poorly with other medicines. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications or supplements you are taking before you take Mucinex. Less common side effects of this medication include but are not limited to:. You should discontinue this medication and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to this medication which could include:.

You should also contact your healthcare provider if your cough persists longer than 7 days or if it is accompanied by a fever that does not go away.

Mucinex has little evidence to suggest that it has a strong effect to help you clear secretions. Some of the combinations listed above also are counter-intuitive. For instance, Mucinex DM has a cough suppressant, when you should be trying to thin your secretions and get rid of the excess mucus by coughing. Caution should always be used when taking combinations of medications that may reduce the efficacy of the other medication.

Staying properly hydrated with water is an important factor in helping to reduce the frequency of having thick secretions which are then difficult to cough up.

There are many other medications that can help, but they are typically reserved for chronic issues related to cystic fibrosis, chronic COPD, and other respiratory conditions.

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Updated November 14, Medline Plus website.