Is Mucinex D Available Over The Counter
In most states, you do not need a prescription to purchase Mucinex D. However, it may be stored behind the counter, along with other products containing pseudoephedrine. While you do not need a prescription to purchase Mucinex D, you may still need to ask the pharmacist for it and may need to show your ID when buying the product. There may also be a limit on the amount of Mucinex D that you can purchase in a given month or day.
What Does Mucinex Do
Mucinex can help address cough, cold, flu, and sinus symptoms like excess mucus and coughing so that you can feel more comfortable while your illness runs its course. There are many different types of Mucinex, and different Mucinex products can address different symptoms, so be sure to pick the product that most closely matches your needs.
How Should I Take Mucinex Fast
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. This medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Do not take more of this medication than recommended. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Dissolve one packet of the powder in at least 8 ounces of hot water. Stir and sip drink immediately while the liquid is hot.
Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days of use, you still have pain after 7 days , if your symptoms get worse, or if you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, or any redness or swelling.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.
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How Do I Store And/or Throw Out Mucinex Fast
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from heat.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
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 healthcare provider 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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What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose
Dextromethorphan is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take dextromethorphan regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Dextromethorphan comes as a liquid-filled capsule, a chewable tablet, a dissolving strip, a solution , an extended-release suspension , and a lozenge to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 4 to 12 hours as needed. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Dextromethorphan should only be used according to the label or package directions. Do not take more than the recommended amount of dextromethorphan in a 24-hour period. Refer to the package or prescription label to determine the amount contained in each dose. Taking dextromethorphan in large amounts can cause serious side effects or death.
Dextromethorphan comes alone and in combination with antihistamines, cough suppressants, and decongestants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which product is best for your symptoms. Check nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before using 2 or more products at the same time. These products may contain the same active ingredient and taking them together could cause you to receive an overdose. This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child.
If you are giving dextromethorphan or a combination product that contains dextromethorphan to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age. Do not give dextromethorphan products that are made for adults to children.
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What Happens If I Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of acetaminophen can be fatal.
The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
How To Use Mucinex Cold
See also Warning section.
If you are using the over-the-counter product, read and follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed, or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids when you use this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.
If you are using a liquid form, carefully measure your dose using a medication-measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. For some liquid products, you may need to shake the bottle well before each dose. Check the directions on the product package.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed without your doctor’s approval. Improper use of this medication may result in serious harm .
Tell your doctor if your condition persists for more than 5 to 7 days, if it worsens, or if it occurs with rash, persistent headache, or fever lasting more than 3 days. These may be symptoms of a serious medical problem and should be checked by a doctor.
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What Do I Need To Tell My Doctor Before I Take Mucinex Fast
- If you are allergic to Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu any part of Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have liver disease.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Mucinex Fast-Max Cold and Flu .
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 Fast-Max Cold and Flu with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
Mucinex Contraindications And Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Safety
Do not use
- for children under 12 years of age
- if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor , or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.
Ask a doctor before use if you have
- persistent or chronic cough such as occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema
- cough accompanied by too much phlegm
Stop use and ask a doctor if
- cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache. These could be signs of a serious illness.
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
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What Drugs And Food Should I Avoid While Taking Adult Cold Flu & Sore Throat
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while you are taking acetaminophen.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen which can lead to a fatal overdose. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Pharmacist Tips For Guaifenesin
For best results, drink plenty of fluids while taking guaifenesin .
If you are taking the extended release tablet version of guaifenesin , swallow them whole. Don’t crush, break, or chew on the tablet.
If you’re using the liquid form of guaifenesin , be sure to use a medication dose cup, spoon, or syringe to measure out your dose. Using household teaspoons might cause you to take the wrong amount of guaifenesin .
Guaifenesin only works for treating coughs with mucus and doesn’t work well if you have a dry cough.
Don’t use guaifenesin for more than 7 days. If your cough doesn’t improve or you develop other symptoms like a fever or headache, stop taking this medication and talk to your provider.
If you’re taking guaifenesin along with other cough, cold, or allergy medications, read the labels closely to make sure you’re not accidentally taking extra of the ingredient guaifenesin, since this ingredient is found in many over-the-counter products. Ask your pharmacist if you’re not sure if a product contains guaifenesin.
Prices for guaifenesin start at just $5.71 with a GoodRx coupon. Theyre fast, easy-to-use and free!
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How Much Does Mucinex Cost
The average cost of Mucinex products is about $15 dollars. However, certain types of Mucinex may cost more. Value packs that include a larger amount of the medication or a combination of drowsy and non-drowsy formulas may also cost more than a standard single pack. In some cases, coupons and other promotions may be able to help lower your costs.
How To Use Mucinex Junior Cold
See also Warning section.
If you are using the over-the-counter product, read and follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed, or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids when you use this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.
If you are using a liquid form, carefully measure your dose using a medication-measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. For some liquid products, you may need to shake the bottle well before each dose. Check the directions on the product package.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed without your doctor’s approval. Improper use of this medication may result in serious harm .
Tell your doctor if your condition persists for more than 5 to 7 days, if it worsens, or if it occurs with rash, persistent headache, or fever lasting more than 3 days. These may be symptoms of a serious medical problem and should be checked by a doctor.
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Maximum Strength Mucinex Fast
Drug Facts
| Active ingredients | Purposes |
|---|
- temporarily relieves these common cold and flu symptoms:
- nasal congestion
- sinus congestion and pressure
How Often Can You Take Mucinex
How often you can take Mucinex varies by the specific product you are using. This is because different Mucinex products have different dosage instructions. You should always refer to dosage instructions on the package of your Mucinex product and be sure to follow them exactly. If you have questions about how often you can take Mucinex, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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What Is Mucinex Dm
Mucinex DM is a combination of an expectorant and cough suppressant used to help loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus and make coughs more productive.
Mucinex DM temporarily relieves cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants, the intensity of coughing, and the impulse to cough to help you get to sleep. Mucinex DM is available over-the-counter .
Common side effects of Mucinex DM include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.
If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.
How To Take Adult Cold Flu & Sore Throat
Use Adult Cold, Flu & Sore Throat exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. This medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Do not take more of this medication than recommended. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Dissolve one packet of the powder in at least 8 ounces of hot water. Stir and sip drink immediately while the liquid is hot.
Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days of use, you still have pain after 7 days , if your symptoms get worse, or if you have a skin rash, ongoing headache, or any redness or swelling.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.
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What Should I Avoid While Using This Medicine
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain acetaminophen . Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to a fatal overdose.
How To Use Mucinex Fast
See also Warning section.
If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read and follow all directions on the package label. If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, take as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food or as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, it may help to take this medication with food or milk. Drink plenty of fluids when you use this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.
If you are taking extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
If you are taking the chewable form of this medication, chew it thoroughly before swallowing.
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