Is Mucinex DM Safe If You Have High Blood Pressure?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses the safety of taking Mucinex DM if you have high blood pressure (hypertension).
I have high blood pressure. Is taking Mucinex DM ok?
Sep 11, 2022- Mucinex DM is safe to take if you have high blood pressure because neither of its ingredients affects blood pressure.
- You should avoid the decongestant pseudoephedrine if you have high blood pressure, as it can raise blood pressure and increase risks for people with heart conditions.
Answer
Thanks so much for reaching out to us! Yes, Mucinex DM (guaifenesin; dextromethorphan) is safe to take if you have high blood pressure (hypertension). Neither drug contained in Mucinex DM affects blood pressure.
The Drugs In Mucinex DM Don't Affect Blood Pressure
As stated, Mucinex DM contains:
- Guaifenesin
- Dextromethorphan
Guaifenesin is an expectorant, which thins and loosens mucus secretions, making these secretions easier to expectorate. Dextromethorphan, the 'DM' component in Mucinex DM, is a cough suppressant and works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.
Unlike some cold medications, guaifenesin and dextromethorphan are considered safe to take if you have high blood pressure.
The drug you want to avoid, or only take under the direction of your doctor if you have high blood pressure, is the nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine can blood pressure and can put individuals with pre-existing heart conditions more at risk for side effects.
Final Words
Thanks again for reaching out!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Hypertension
- High blood pressure, a condition where the force of blood pushing against artery walls is too high.
- Expectorant
- A medication that helps thin and loosen mucus to make it easier to cough up.
- Guaifenesin
- An expectorant ingredient that works to thin mucus secretions in the respiratory tract.
- Dextromethorphan
- A cough suppressant that reduces coughing by decreasing activity in the brain's cough center.
- Cough suppressant
- A medication that reduces or stops the coughing reflex.
- Pseudoephedrine
- A nasal decongestant that can raise blood pressure and may be unsafe for people with high blood pressure.
- Nasal decongestant
- A medication that reduces nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages.
- Secretions
- Fluids produced by the body, such as mucus released by the respiratory tract.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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