Can You Take Amoxicillin With Mucinex Or Sudafed?

In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses combining amoxicillin with two different OTC medications, Mucinex and Sudafed.

Question

Is it safe to take amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125mg along with Mucinex and Sudafed, or should these medications be discontinued when taking the antibiotic?

Asked by Carrie On May 29, 2023

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Jun 01, 2023
Last updated Apr 24, 2024

Key points

  • There are no known drug interactions between amoxicillin, Mucinex, and Sudafed.

Answer

Fortunately, there is no known interaction between Amoxicillin, Mucinex, and Sudafed. All three are generally safe to take together when indicated.

In fact, Mucinex and Sudafed often provide relief for many symptoms associated with respiratory infections, such as sinus congestion and nasal congestion, which Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed to treat.

If you are already taking Mucinex and Sudafed, there is no need to stop simply because you are adding amoxicillin.

What Is Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication that is commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections. It belongs to the penicillin class (it technically is an amino-penicillin) of antibiotics and works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

It is often used to treat respiratory tract infections, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia, as well as other infections throughout the body.

While amoxicillin does have some drug interactions that are considered clinically significant, it is not known to interact with Mucinex or Sudafed.

I also want to note here that you asked specifically about amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, which is generic for Augmentin. Just like with amoxicillin alone, Augmentin does not interact with Mucinex or Sudafed. 

What Is Mucinex?

Mucinex is an over-the-counter medication that contains the active ingredient guaifenesin. It is commonly used to relieve symptoms associated with respiratory tract infections, particularly those involving excessive mucus production and congestion.

Guaifenesin works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, making it easier to expel through coughing. By reducing mucus thickness, Mucinex can help alleviate symptoms such as chest congestion and productive cough.

Mucinex is considered a very safe OTC medication and has very few side effects. Additionally, it essentially has no known clinically significant drug interactions.

What Is Sudafed?

Sudafed is an over-the-counter medication that contains pseudoephedrine as its active ingredient. It is a nasal decongestant that works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion.

Sudafed provides temporary relief from symptoms such as nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and a stuffy or runny nose. It is commonly used for symptoms associated with respiratory infections, including the common cold, sinusitis, and allergies.

It is important to note that although Sudafed does not interact with amoxicillin or Mucinex, it can raise blood pressure and should be used with caution, especially if you have hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions.

Final Words

I hope you found this answer helpful!

You can feel safe using all three drugs together (amoxicillin, Sudafed and Mucinex) as long as you don't have any specific precautions for any single agent. None of them interact with one another.

References

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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