Introduction
Cold and allergy symptoms can really be bothersome. Sometimes, you just need a little relief. There are several over-the-counter drugs that can help, including Mucinex D.
Mucinex D contains two active ingredients: guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. Guaifenesin helps loosen mucus in your chest. Pseudoephedrine temporarily helps with congestion in your nose. Together, these two ingredients work well to relieve symptoms of the common cold and allergies. These include cough, stuffy nose, sneezing, and sinus congestion and pressure.
However, there are side effects associated with the ingredients in this medication that you should know about.
Mucinex D works by combining the actions of the drugs guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. Each ingredient can affect different parts of your body in different ways. Here are the effects you should be aware of while you take this drug.
Cardiovascular system effects
The pseudoephedrine in Mucinex D can affect your heart and increase your blood pressure. Symptoms of heart-related side effects include:
If these symptoms are mild, they probably won’t bother you. However, if you feel that these side effects are severe or if they don’t go away, contact your doctor.
Nervous system effects
The active ingredients in Mucinex D can both affect your nervous system. However, these side effects are rare.
Most of the side effects of guaifenesin are mild and well-tolerated. They include:
Nervous system side effects from pseudoephedrine can include:
Digestive system effects
Guaifenesin rarely causes stomach problems when you use it at recommended doses. Pseudoephedrine can cause the following side effects:
If you experience nausea, try taking Mucinex D with food or a glass of milk.
Skin effects and allergic reaction
A possible side effect of Mucinex D is an allergic reaction. This may cause a skin rash. If you experience a rash after taking Mucinex D, stop taking it and contact your doctor.
If you notice any of the following, call 911 or local emergency services immediately:
Taking this drug if you have certain conditions increases your risk of severe side effects. Talk to your doctor before taking Mucinex-D if you have medical conditions such as:
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It’s very important to use Mucinex D exactly as directed. Most of the severe side effects of Mucinex D can happen when you use too much. If you have any questions about how much you should use, ask your pharmacist.
The following side effects can occur if you use too much Mucinex D:
Symptoms of kidney stones include:
Symptoms of brain or nerve damage include:
Stop using Mucinex D and contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these severe side effects.
Maximum Strength Mucinex D contains double the amount of medicine. There are no additional side effects of the stronger formula as long as you take it as directed. However, taking the stronger formula at the dosage that’s recommended for the regular formula can lead to overuse and severe side effects.
Mucinex D can help most people relieve chest and nasal congestion without side effects that are harmful or worrisome. However, this is not true for everyone, especially if you have certain medical conditions or take other drugs.
If you’re unsure if Mucinex is right for you, ask your doctor. And if you can’t take Mucinex D, check out the best natural cough remedies and the best natural antihistamines.
Q:
When should I start feeling better?
A:
When taking Mucinex D, your symptoms should improve within 7 days. Stop taking it and call your doctor if your symptoms don’t go away or if they come back. Also, stop taking the drug if you develop a fever or rash. These could be signs of a more serious problem.
Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.