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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Sudafed and Mucinex are popular cough and cold medications that relieve congestion. However, they are part of separate drug classes and work in different ways. Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that narrows the blood vessels in the nostrils to reduce swelling and promote nasal and sinus drainage. Mucinex contains guaifenesin, an expectorant that helps loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to be blown out or coughed up. Though they are both available without a prescription, Mucinex can be purchased over the counter (OTC), while Sudafed is sold behind the counter, requires an ID, and can only be purchased in limited quantities without a prescription. This article will discuss the differences and similarities between Sudafed and Mucinex. Getty Images / Smith Collection/Gado / Contributor SudafedAvailable as a tablet and liquidWorks by narrowing blood vessels in the nostrils to reduce swelling and promote nasal and sinus drainage, relieve nasal congestion, sinus congestion and sinus pressureAvailable as a genericSudafed Sinus Congestion (pseudoephedrine) in a 30 milligram (mg) tablet; Sudafed Sinus Congestion 12 Hour (pseudoephedrine) in a 120 mg ER tablet; Sudafed Sinus Congestion 24 Hour (pseudoephedrine) in a 240 mg ER tablet; Children's Sudafed Nasal Decongestant (pseudoephedrine) in a 15 mg per 5 milliliter (mL) dose (15 mg/5 mL)Sold behind the counterNondrowsyIf a product contains a D after the name (e.g., Robitussin D), then it contains a decongestant (pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine)MucinexAvailable as a tablet and solutionWorks by thinning or loosening mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough upAvailable as a genericMucinex (guaifenesin) in a 600 mg ER tablet; Mucinex Maximum Strength (guaifenesin) in a 1,200 mg ER tablet; Mucinex Fast-Max Chest Congestion oral solution (guaifenesin) in a 400 mg/20 mL doseSold OTCMay cause drowsiness (not common)Available in many combination OTC products, such as Mucinex Allergy (fexofenadine and guaifenesin) or (guaifenesin and dextromethorphan) Uses Sudafed works as a decongestant. It helps to relieve stuffiness and sinus congestion or pressure due to the common cold or seasonal allergies. Mucinex is an expectorant. It loosens mucus and thins secretions in the lungs. This can help reduce chest congestion and make coughs more productive. You may opt to use Mucinex if your symptoms are related more to chest congestion. Dosage: How to Take Sudafed vs. Mucinex Sudafed The following tables summarize the dosage recommendations for Sudafed products, including: Sudafed Sinus CongestionSudafed Sinus Congestion 12 HourSudafed Sinus Congestion 24 HourChildren's Sudafed Nasal
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