Mixing any combination of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs can be unpredictable and dangerous. Most fatal overdoses involve the use of more than one type of drug (poly-drug use).
Poly-drug use is dangerous because different drugs act on our bodies in different ways. The harmful effects are magnified by using more than one drug type. For example, the more alcohol in the body, the less heroin needed to cause an overdose.
What is Mucinex?
Mucinex is a brand of guaifenesin, an expectorant used for the temporary relief of coughs caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.
What is Sudafed?
Sudafed is a popular decongestant that’s available at most pharmacies. It can help relieve nasal and sinus congestion and pressure due to the common cold. The main active ingredient in Sudafed is called pseudoephedrine (PSE). It’s a nasal decongestant. PSE relieves congestion by making the blood vessels in your nasal passages narrower. This opens up your nasal passages and allows your sinuses to drain. As a result, your nasal passages are clearer and you breathe more easily.
Most forms of Sudafed only contain pseudoephedrine. But one form, called Sudafed 12 Hour Pressure + Pain, also contains the active drug naproxen sodium. Any additional side effects, interactions, or warnings caused by naproxen sodium are not covered in this article. Sudafed PE products don’t contain pseudoephedrine. Instead, they contain a different active ingredient called phenylephrine.
Can you take Mucinex and Sudafed together?
There are no interactions between Mucinex and Sudafed. You can take them both together if you have nasal congestion as well as a phlegmy cough. Guaifenesin the active ingredient in Mucinex has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider before using Sudafed with Mucinex together.
How should I take Mucinex?
Dosage form: tablet, extended-release
- do not crush, chew, or break tablet
- take with a full glass of water
- this product can be administered without regard for the timing of meals
- adults and children 12 years of age and over: 1 or 2 tablets every 12 hours. Do not exceed 4 tablets in 24 hours.
- children under 12 years of age: do not use
How should I take Sudafed?
All forms of Sudafed are taken by mouth. Sudafed Congestion, Sudafed 12 Hour, Sudafed 24 Hour, and Sudafed 12 Hour Pressure + Pain comes as caplets, tablets, or extended-release tablets. Children’s Sudafed comes in liquid form in grape and berry flavors.
Below are dosage instructions for the different kinds of Sudafed. You can also find this information on the medication’s package.
Sudafed Congestion
• Adults and children 12 years and older: Take two tablets every four to six hours. Do not take more than eight tablets every 24 hours.
• Children ages 6–11 years: Take one tablet every four to six hours. Do not take more than four tablets every 24 hours.
• Children younger than 6 years: Do not use this medication for children younger than 6 years.
Sudafed 12 Hour
• Adults and children 12 years and older. Take one tablet every 12 hours. Do not take more than two tablets every 24 hours. Do not crush or chew the caplets.
• Children younger than 12 years. Do not use this medication for children younger than 12 years.
Sudafed 24 Hour
• Adults and children 12 years and older. Take one tablet every 24 hours. Do not take more than one tablet every 24 hours. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
• Children younger than 12 years. Do not use this medication for children younger than 12 years.
Sudafed 12 Hour Pressure + Pain
• Adults and children 12 years and older. Take one caplet every 12 hours. Do not take more than two caplets every 24 hours. Do not crush or chew the caplets.
• Children younger than 12 years. Do not use this medication for children younger than 12 years
Children’s Sudafed
• Children ages 6–11 years. Give 2 teaspoons every four to six hours. Do not give more than four doses every 24 hours.
• Children ages 4–5 years. Give 1 teaspoon every four to six hours. Do not give more than four doses every 24 hours.
• Children younger than 4 years. Do not use this medication for children younger than 4 years.
