What Is In Mucinex Allergy

What Is Mucinex Allergy

Mucinex Allergy is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies in adults and children.

Mucinex Allergy is also used to treat skin itching and hives caused by a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children at least 6 years old.

There are many brands and forms of fexofenadine available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Mucinex Allergy may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dangerous Interactions With Other Medications

• Risk factors: Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor medications within the past 14 days | Currently taking a MAOI

Taking Mucinex D in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitor medications can cause dangerous changes in your blood pressure. Don’t use Mucinex D if you have recently taken or are currently taking a MAOI, including selegiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine. Don’t use Mucinex D without talking to your healthcare provider first about all the medications you take from all providers you see.

What Happens If Mucinex Allergy Tablets Antihistamine Is Out Of Stock And I Need To Give Specific Instructions

• Find Best Match: By default, your shopper will use their best judgement to pick a replacement for your item.
• Pick Specific Replacement: You can pick a specific alternative for the shopper to purchase if your first choice is out-of-stock.
• Don’t Replace: For items you’d rather not replace, choose “Don’t replace” to get a refund if the item is out of stock.

Recommended Reading: What’s The Best Over The Counter Allergy Medicine

How Should I Take Mucinex Allergy

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child.

• Ask a doctor before giving Mucinex Allergy liquid to a child younger than 2 years old.

• The disintegrating tablets are not for use in a child younger than 6 years old.

• The 12-hour and 24-hour forms of Mucinex Allergy are not for use in a child younger than 12 years old.

Take this medicine only with water.

Take the disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach.

Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing cup provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Store Mucinex Allergy in its original package at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.

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.

Also Check: How To Tell If Runny Nose Is Allergies Or Cold

What Do I Need To Tell My Doctor Before I Take Mucinex Sinus

• If you are allergic to Mucinex Sinus-Max ; any part of Mucinex Sinus-Max ; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson’s disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine,tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Linezolid or methylene blue.
• If you have a cough with a lot of mucus.
• If you have a long-term cough caused by smoking or being around smoke, or lung problems like asthma or emphysema.
• If you have liver disease.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Mucinex Sinus-Max .

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Mucinex Sinus-Max with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• A very bad skin reaction may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin ; red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

Recommended Reading: How Long Before Allergy Shots Work

Mucinex Side Effects: The Good And Bad Side Effects You Need To Know

October 10, 2018 By Nell Simmons

Coughing and congestion will rain on anyone’s parade. While allergies or a common cold are not much to worry about in most cases, they still leave you feeling tired and unable to carry out your day-to-day responsibilities with the same ease and comfort you are used to. The expectorant medication commonly known as Mucinex may provide you with the relief you are looking for. However, before you choose Mucinex to relieve your symptoms, take a few minutes to learn about what Mucinex is and familiarize yourself with the good and bad Mucinex side effects. Only then can you weigh the benefits and risks to make the best decision to relieve your own cough and cold symptoms. 

Mucinex Uses And Side Effects

Mucinex is a brand name for a medication called guaifenesin. In the United States, guaifenesin is sold over-the-counter expectorant that can be used to treat congestion by breaking up and thinning mucus in the chest and throat. Mucus that is closer to a liquid than a solid is easier to cough out and expel. Mucinex is typically used by individuals who are congested because they are suffering from a common cold, the flu, or allergies but it can be prescribed by a doctor for other reasons. Guaifenesin works to relieve the symptoms of these conditions but is not a treatment for the root cause of congestion or decrease the overall time of these illnesses. Guaifenesin is safe to use in both adults and children.

Aside from being used as an expectorant, guaifenesin is a centrally-acting muscle relaxant and is sometimes used in veterinary medicine for this purpose. There is also an off-label treatment known as the fibromyalgia guaifenesin protocol that is sometimes used, however, there is very little evidence to support the use of guaifenesin in this manner.

Guaifenesin is sold by itself or as one of the several ingredients in many cough and cold preparations. Some of the different medications containing guaifenesin include:

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Mucinex Vs Mucinex D Vs Mucinex Dm: What Is The Difference

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the differences between three Mucinex products: Mucinex, Mucinex D and Mucinex DM.

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Question

I’m confused about the difference between all the different types of Mucinex products out there. Can you give a rundown on what each product actually has in it?

Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

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Your doctor might access our drug knowledge through their electronic medical record software to manage and make decisions related to your medications. Your pharmacist may do the same through their pharmacy dispensing software . Our drug databases are also used in many consumer-focused software systems, a few of which are listed below, where we help to improve medication understanding and enhance safety.

See what others, like Fortune and Chain Drug Review are saying about First Databank.

Read our blog articles to learn more about what our own experts have to say. 

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Side Effects Not Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Some side effects of fexofenadine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• pain in arms or legs
• pain or tenderness around eyes or cheekbones
• painful menstrual bleeding
• redness or swelling in ear
• ringing or buzzing in ears
• runny or stuffy nose

Applies to fexofenadine: oral capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet disintegrating

Other Approaches To Easing Post

Sally Found that NAC helped ease her upper respiratory tract challenges:

I have had COPD for several years . My lungs are the weak link in an otherwise healthy body.

I take NAC and find that it helps break up things and clear my lungs and stop the nagging, little cough that is caused by COPD. Recently, I had a bad bout of pneumonia and bronchitis for which I took Mucinex. It was helpful but when I went back to the NAC things got better.immediately.

Linda found that Mucinex plus a neti pot nasal rinse eased her symptoms:

I had never had a sinus infection until I was in my early 60s and didnt know what they were. Then I got sick for weeks at a time. Finally I figured it out and went to a doctor for relief.

Id been taking OTC cold tablets that didnt help at all and seemed to make it worse. I got so stuffed up and impacted that I couldnt breathe through my nose at all and didnt think Id ever get better. The doctor told me to only take a med with guaifenesin as the main ingredient. Around the same time I read about neti pots.

From then on whenever I got a cold I took Mucinex with guaifenesin and used the neti pot to try and ward off getting a sinus infection. This has been a very successful regimen for me. I still get an occasional cold, maybe once a year, but they are milder now and dont last as long.

Read Also: How Much Honey A Day To Help With Allergies

Pharmacist Tips For Mucinex D

For best results, drink plenty of fluids while taking Mucinex D .

If you are taking the extended-release form of Mucinex D , swallow them whole. Don’t crush, break, or chew on the tablet.

Due to the pseudoephedrine in the combination medication, there is a daily and monthly limit for buying Mucinex D from behind the pharmacy counter. Keep this in mind if you need to buy additional amounts.

Avoid taking this medication close to bedtime, since you might have trouble sleeping due to the pseudoephedrine.

Mucinex D can raise your blood pressure. Make sure your provider knows if you have heart problems or high blood pressure before you start taking it.

If you develop a fever or are not feeling any better after taking this medication for 7 days, your symptoms might be due to an infection instead of allergies. If this is the case, stop taking Mucinex D and contact your provider.

Prices for Mucinex D start at just $7.41 with a GoodRx coupon. Theyre fast, easy-to-use and free!

What Are The Side Effects Of Guaifenesin

With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Allergic reactions

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

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Can I Take Mucinex And Allegra At The Same Time

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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.

Read Also: Can You Drink On Allergy Meds

What Happens If I Miss A Dose

Since cough or cold medicine is taken when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What Symptoms Does It Treat

Mucinex, or guaifenesin, treats the symptoms of a cough and chest congestion caused by colds, allergies, infections, and other short-term respiratory sicknesses. While it controls the symptoms of these illnesses and offers temporary relief, Mucinex does not treat the cause. As mentioned before, Mucinex will not cure your illness or shorten its duration. 

Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Cause Asthma Attacks

How Is This Medicine Best Taken

Use Mucinex Sinus-Max as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you take Mucinex Sinus-Max on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times Mucinex Sinus-Max is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use Mucinex Allergy if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Mucinex Allergy is safe to use if you have:

• kidney disease.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. If you are 65 or older, ask a doctor before taking Mucinex Allergy.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria .

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Overdose And Missed Dose

If you suspect an overdose of Mucinex, contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Symptoms of overdose include passing out or trouble breathing. An overdose of Mucinex can occur by taking another medication with the same active ingredient at the same time. We discuss this below when we examine Mucinex interactions. Talk to your physician about other methods to relieve a cough and congestions symptoms, such as using a humidifier, nose drops, sprays, and drinking more fluids.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you can when you remember. If you do not remember until you are close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

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Why Do Some Medications Dehydrate You

There is a difference between actual dehydrating medications and those that give you a dried-out sensation, says Jennings. The goal of a diuretic is to remove excess fluid from the body, which can lower blood pressure and reduce swelling in the extremities. Dehydration would only occur if such a medication removed too much fluid from the body. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned.

Medications that dry you outantihistaminescause that side effect because they block a specific neurotransmitter in the brain, Jennings says. 

Many patients experience drying side effects because they are taking too many antihistamines. “For example, if someone is taking a daily antihistamine for allergy symptoms and currently suffering from cold/flu symptoms, they might take a multi-symptoms product that results in a duplication of antihistamine,” Jennings says.

Jennings gives the example of someone taking a daily antihistamine to fight seasonal allergies who then comes down with the common cold. 

If they continue to take their daily allergy medication and introduce a product like NyQuil for overnight cold relief, they are doubling up on antihistamines and are more likely to experience extreme dryness. Many consumers aren’t aware of what’s in their medications or how their medications may interact, Jennings adds.

What Are The Side Effects Of Mucinex D

The main active ingredients in Mucinex D are guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. Each of these ingredients is known to affect different parts of the body in different ways. Let us look at the side effects caused by Mucinex D on the different systems of the body.

Side effects on the cardiovascular system: The ingredient pseudoephedrine contained in Mucinex D is known to increase your blood pressure as well as impact your heart. While having Mucinex D, if you notice the following heart-related side effects then it is important to seek medical help immediately. These symptoms include a pounding heart beat and/or increase in heart rate. If these symptoms are mild, then you will probably not even notice them, but if they persist and are severe, then consult your doctor.

Side effects on the nervous system: Both the active ingredients in this drug are known to have an effect on your nervous system. While these side effects are known to be rare, they might leave you feeling even more uncomfortable. The Side Effects Of Guaifenesin Can Include:

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What Are The Side Effects Of Mucinex

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea; or
• vomiting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Along with its needed effects, fexofenadine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fexofenadine:

Rare

• feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
• large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing

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Is Mucinex Good For Allergies

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Typical Dosing For Guaifenesin

Immediate release version:

• Adults and children over 12 years old: The typical dose is 200 mg to 400 mg by mouth every 4 hours as needed. Do not take more than 2,400 mg per day.
• Children between 6 and 12 years old: The typical dose is 100 mg to 200 mg by mouth every 4 hours as needed. Do not take more than 1,200 mg per day.
• Children between 4 and 6 years old: The typical dose is 50 mg to 100 mg by mouth every 4 hours as needed. Do not take more than 600 mg per day.
• Children under 4 years old: Do not use.

Extended release version:

• Adults and children over 12 years old: The typical dose is 600 mg to 1,200 mg by mouth every 12 hours as needed. Do not take more than 2,400 mg per day.
• Children under 12 years old: Do not use.

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Good & Bad Side Effects

Side effects occur from taking a medication but are not part of the intended outcome. For Mucinex, the intended outcome is a reduction in coughing and chest congestion. Anything else that occurs because of taking Mucinex is a side effect. We will now look at both good Mucinex side effects and bad Mucinex side effects.