Is Sudafed Or Mucinex Better For Post Nasal Drip
It depends on what symptoms you are experiencing. If you feel like you have a lot of phlegm, Mucinex may be worth a try. If the drip is accompanied by nasal congestion, you can try Sudafed. You can also try to use a humidifier in your room, drink a lot of fluids, use a nasal irrigation solution, and sleep with your head propped up on pillows.
Warnings Of Sudafed And Mucinex
Sudafed has some warnings to be mindful of. It may cause nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. As stated above, if you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor , such as selegiline or tranylcypromine, do not take Sudafed. Also, allow two weeks after stopping the MAOI before using Sudafed.
If you have certain health conditions, you should check with your doctor before using Sudafed. These include heart problems, high blood pressure , thyroid disease, diabetes, or enlarged prostate.
Sudafed should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy. You may be able to use Sudafed in the second or third trimester but would need to consult your healthcare provider. Sudafed may be used occasionally while breastfeeding, but only if your doctor approves. Sudafed-PE should not be used during pregnancy.
Mucinex also has several warnings. You should consult your healthcare provider before using Mucinex if you have a persistent or chronic cough like the type that occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema or a cough accompanied by a very large amount of mucus.
Mucinex extended-release tablets should not be crushed or chewed. The tablet should be taken with a full glass of water. Mucinex may be used in pregnancy, and with caution during breastfeeding, as long as your healthcare provider approves. Children under age four should not take cold medications such as Sudafed or Mucinex. Consult your healthcare provider for advice.
What Is The Correct Dosage Of Mucinex D
The Mucinex D Extended Release 12-Hr tablet is to be taken orally by mouth. You can either have it with food or without food. It is to be taken every 12 hours with a full glass of water or as per your doctors instructions. If you notice a stomach upset after having Mucinex D, then it is recommended you take the medication with food or milk. If you are self-treating with Mucinex D, then it is important to follow all the instructions in the product package. It is advisable that you dont consume the medication close to bedtime as it can cause problems in sleeping.
The dosage of Mucinex D is based on your age, your medical condition, and your response to the treatment. However, whatever the case, you should not take more than two doses in a day and do not increase your dose more than what is given in the instruction package.
Swallow the capsules whole and do not try to open them. Do not chew or crush the capsules/tablets. Crushing or chewing the tablet/capsule will release the entire drug at one go and increase the risk of side effects as well.
While taking Mucinex D, continue to drink plenty of water or fluids as this will further help in dissolving or breaking up mucus and phlegm, clearing away the congestion. Also, avoid consuming caffeine while on Mucinex D as it can increase the side effects of this drug. Therefore, avoid beverages such as coffee, colas, tea, as well as large amounts of chocolate. Also, do not take nonprescription medications that contain caffeine.
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Mucinex D For Cold & Allergies: Uses Dosage Side Effects
Mucinex D is one of the most common over-the-counter drugs used for reliving cold and allergy symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, cough, and general congestion. This medication contains a combination of pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin. While guaifenesin works as an expectorant, pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that works on shrinking the blood vessels in your nasal passages to give relief from nasal congestion or stuffy nose. This drug has many uses and today we look at its uses, its prescribed dosage and the commonly associated side effects of Mucinex D.
How To Get Mucus Relief
From moisturizing your body to protecting it from harmful bacteria, mucus plays an important role in health. When it thickens because of allergies, smoking, dry air or an infection such as the flu, a cold or sinusitis, it can make breathing difficult and interfere with your overall well-being. Simple steps can help minimize these issues. For long-lasting or severe symptoms, consult your doctor.
Humidifiers and vaporizers help ease mucus symptoms by adding moisture to the air you breathe. This is important because dry air makes it tougher for mucus to flow through your sinuses and nose normally, causing blockages. Vaporizers use heat to create boiling water, which adds steam to the air. Humidifiers release cool mist. For best results and safety, follow the instructions for the device and keep the device you use clean.
Avoid overusing decongestants and antihistamines, which can lead to increased congestion. They may also cause side effects, such as nervousness and high blood pressure. No matter which medication you use, always follow dosing instructions.
Nasal irrigation can help ease a stuffy nose caused by mucus buildup. Useful options include neti pots, squeeze bottles and syringes. All of these methods involve shooting saline up your nostrils to loosen the mucus. Make sure you use new or sterile equipment and rinse it well after each use, letting it air dry afterward. Irrigate only occasionally because frequent use can reduce the good bacteria in your nose as well.
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What About Mucinex Maximum Strength
Sounds strong, I know. But this medication has also been shown not to help.
Over-the-counter Mucinex Maximum Strength has 1200 mg of guaifenesin. In a study on adult patients with an upper respiratory tract infection, 1200 mg of guaifenesin did not have a significant effect on mucus or cough compared to placebo.
Now, for what does work, see our article on the best medicine for your cough.
Dr. O
Mucinex Dm Expectorant And Cough Suppressant 12
Get 12-hour relief from chest congestion and coughs with these expectorant tablets that thin mucus and minimize symptoms while your immune system does its job. An impressive 86 percent of Amazon customers gave these tablets five-star reviews, with one saying:
One customer wrote:“These work so good for my constantly congested sinuses. I am outside a lot and have seasonal allergies so I keep these on hand and take one in the morning and one at bedtime and I am not congested up at all.”
Today you save more than $16 on a two-pack.
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What To Do When Medicine Dehydrates You Or Dries You Out
If you’re dehydrated, suffering from dry mouth, or just plain thirsty, having a drink is this obvious answer.
“Depending on the degree of dehydration, it could have an effect on electrolyte levels,” Jennings says.
That means, if you’re just feeling dry and thirsty, you can drink water. But if you’re consuming a medication that actually removes fluid from the body and dehydrates you , you need to look at replacing your electrolyte levels too.
A product like Hydrant, added to cold water, can bring your levels back to normal.
If you’re regularly feeling parched and you think medication may be to blame, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist. They can speak to common side effects and any potential drug interactions that may occur.
It’s important for every patient to know exactly what they’re taking and why, and what common side effects may occur as a result, Jennings says. If you don’t, seek medical advice from your doctor or a pharmacist. Seek medical advice before stopping or starting medications.
If you want to read more about the science of hydration, click here.
Rated For Sinusitis Report
After sinus surgery had to do a nasal rinse everyday in the morning to help them to stay open to drain. Added Mucinex 600mg every day and it helped tremendously. Told my doctor what I was doing and he said it was fine. Even though I saw it as a chest decongestant, my doctor said it would help my sinuses drain. Experienced dry mouth at night, so when I take it in the morning,make it a point to take it with a full glass of water. makes a difference.
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Mucus: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
We all need mucus to keep our bodies functioning normally. But when you have too much mucus, thats when the problems can start.
Healthy mucus helps to protect, moisten, and defend our airways. Mucus is a part of our bodys frontline defense against infection. Its produced by the mucus membranes which line your mouth, nose, throat, sinuses and lungs, and it works with your cilia, the tiny hairs which line your airways. Mucus traps particles, such as:
- dust
- bacteria
- viruses
to stop them entering your system. The cilia then transport the trapped particles and mucus back to the throat, where they can be coughed up or swallowed.
Sometimes your body starts producing too much mucus. This can be caused by infections such as colds and flu, but it can also be triggered by:
- allergies
- airborne pollution
So while many of us think excess mucus is a problem that only strikes during cold and flu season, it can actually be a problem at any time of year.
When mucus becomes too thick, dense or dry, it can build up in your airways, preventing the cilia from doing its work of transporting unwanted particles out of your body, and creating a home for bacteria. This leads to symptoms like:
- Chest congestion: a thick, heavy feeling in your chest
- Excess congestion when you wake up
- More frequent respiratory tract infections
- Wet cough, especially in the morning
- Frequent throat-clearing
- Smokers cough
- Chesty cough
Can I Use Sudafed Or Mucinex While Pregnant
Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Generally, Sudafed cannot be taken in the first trimester but can be taken occasionally during the second and third trimester provided you do not have heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. Sudafed-PE is not recommended in pregnancy.
Mucinex can usually be used safely in pregnancy. Again, be sure to check with your doctor before using Sudafed or Mucinex while pregnant.
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What Is An Over The Counter Remedy Post Nasal Drip
Actifed and Comtrex all contain pseudoephedrine.
What is the best OTC allergy medicine for post-nasal drip? Second-generation antihistamines are preferred for allergic post-nasal drip because they dont make you sleepy . Each of these are available over the counter as low-cost generics: Loratadine Fexofenadine How do you get rid of post-nasal drip fast? Heres what you
Potential Side Effects Of Nasal Decongestants
Potential side effects of using nasal decongestants may include:4
- increased heart rate and blood pressure
- increased nervousness
- palpitations
- restlessness or trouble sleeping.
Speak to your doctor before using a nasal decongestant if you have any of the following pre-existing conditions: 4
- heart disease
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Can Mucinex Help A Dry Cough
4.6/5MucinexcanforFordrycoughcoughforCoughrelievecoughcoughabout it here
How Mucinex DM Can Help Relieve Your CoughWhile coughing helps reduce the excess mucus out of your airways, sometimes you need a break. Mucinex® DM combines both Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan to give you fewer but more productive coughs, and help relieve chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus.
Subsequently, question is, is expectorant good for dry cough? Expectorants help thin mucus so you can cough it out of your lungs more easily. These medications are useful when you have thick congestion and are having a hard time expelling it on your own. The drug guaifenesin is the only expectorant that’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration . Mucinex.
Keeping this in consideration, can mucinex make your cough worse?
Moisture helps minimize phlegm, coughing and throat pain. On the flip side, dry air may make your symptoms worse. If coughing makes it difficult to snooze well, take Mucinex®, which thins and loosens mucus for 12 hours.
Does mucinex dry you out?
“Decongestants dry up the mucus that collects in the back of the throat as a result of the infection. Expectorants melt the mucus.” Mucinex or products with guaifenesin are great options for “mucus melters” because these loosen the thick mucus, she said.
Common Side Effects Of Sudafed And Mucinex
Common side effects of Sudafed include nervousness, restlessness, and trouble sleeping. Less common side effects may include headache, increased heartbeat, or painful urination.
With Mucinex, side effects are rare but may include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, or nausea.
Whether you take Sudafed or Mucinex, be sure to follow the package directions and do not exceed the maximum recommended dose. If you have side effects that are bothersome, stop the medication and consult your healthcare provider.
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What Should I Avoid While Taking Mucinex Allergy
Do not take Mucinex Allergy with fruit juice . These juices can make it harder for your body to absorb this medicine.
Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take Mucinex Allergy. Certain antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb Mucinex Allergy.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.
Can I Use Sudafed Or Mucinex With Alcohol
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking these medications. Some forms of Sudafed or Mucinex come as a combination medication, with several medications in one. Alcohol can intensify the effect of some of these medications, worsen side effects, and cause additional impairment. It is safer to wait until you are feeling better before drinking alcohol.
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How Well Does Mucinex Work For Coughing
Unfortunately, Mucinex does not appear to be effective for cough. Though Mucinex has been shown in some studies to have a small effect compared with doing nothing , larger reviews with many studies have concluded that there is no good evidence for using Mucinex. Studies have not found that Mucinex helps reduce coughing nor does it make the coughing itself less severe.
Rated For Fibromyalgia Syndrome Report
Taking one tablet every 12 hours for excess mucus and pain from fibromyalgia. I am pain free as long as I keep it in my system. It is a lifesaver for me to be able to live freely from the mucus and pain daily. I have been on this regimen for 3 months with no side effects. There has been no reaction from taking my cymbalta, gabapentin, and flexeril with the Mucinex DM.
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Is Sudafed Or Mucinex More Effective
Since Sudafed treats nasal congestion, and Mucinex treats chest congestion/productive cough, comparing their efficacy is like comparing apples to oranges, as they are different medications for different indications. However, we can look at each drugs efficacy.
Sudafed has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for nasal congestion. Mucinex has been shown to be safe and effective in treating chest congestion.
Both Sudafed and Mucinex can be very effective in their respective treatments however, when choosing a medication for yourself, it is always best to check with your healthcare provider who has your full medical history and can help you select the most appropriate medication.
Drug Interactions Of Sudafed Vs Mucinex
Patients who take a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor , such as selegiline or tranylcypromine, should not use Sudafed at the same time, or for two weeks after stopping the MAOI.
Sudafed also interacts with certain antidepressants such as Elavil or Desyrel . You should also check with your doctor if you take certain drugs such as Xanax , headache medication such as Fioricet, ADHD medications, and painkillers. The list of medications that may potentially interact with Sudafed is too long to list here consult your healthcare provider for more information.
Mucinex alone does not have any significant drug interactions, but there are drug interactions with the combination products that contain guaifenesin with other medications, such as Mucinex-DM or Mucinex-D. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
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Safety Guide For Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is safe and effective when used according to the Drug Facts label directions.
Ask a healthcare provider before use if:
- If you are allergic to guaifenesin or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- You have breathing problems or large amounts of mucus.
Do not use if:
- Do not give an OTC cough medicine or multi-symptom cough and cold medicine containing guaifenesin to a child under the age of 4.
Stop use and ask a doctor if:
- Your cough lasts for more than seven days, returns, or occurs with a fever, rash, or persistent headache. These additional symptoms could be signs of a more serious illness.
- You take too much. Immediately contact a healthcare provider or the poison control national helpline at 800.222.1222.
What are the side effects of guaifenesin?
- Nausea or vomiting may occur.
- A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling , severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
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