Taking Mucinex DM & Delsym Together
Our pharmacist answers the latest question regarding whether or not it is okay to take Mucinex DM and Delsym Together.
Is it OK to take Mucinex DM and Delsym together?
Oct 24, 2022- Both Delsym and Mucinex DM contain dextromethorphan, so taking them together would give you a double dose of the same ingredient and increase your risk of side effects.
- Mucinex DM already contains both a cough suppressant and an expectorant, so you can take it alone at the recommended dose to treat both symptoms.
- Always read the labels of over-the-counter cold medications because many share the same ingredients.
Answer
You should not take Delsym along with Mucinex DM as they both contain the same ingredient (dextromethorphan). Combining these products would be considered a 'therapeutic duplication'.
Delsym contains the cough suppressant dextromethorphan.
Mucinex DM contains two drugs, dextromethorphan, and the expectorant, guaifenesin.
Taking both would result in taking a double dose of the dextromethorphan, which could increase the risk of side effects occurring.
You certainly need to be careful when taking multiple over-the-counter medications as many of them share the same ingredients.
The two drugs in question here are a great example of this. Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are very common ingredients in cold/cold medications which is why it is important to always read the labels of products you are considering taking.
You can simply take Mucinex DM at the recommended dosages to get both an expectorant (guaifenesin) and a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan).
Robitussin DM is an alternative option that also contains guaifenesin and dextromethorphan.
Final Words
I hope you found this answer helpful! Reach back out anytime.
References & sources
- Guaifenesin Monograph — PubChem
- Dextromethorphan Monograph — PubChem
- Mucinex Manufacturer Website — Mucinex.com
- Delsym Manufacturer Website — Delsym.com
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Dextromethorphan
- A cough suppressant ingredient commonly found in over-the-counter cold medications.
- Therapeutic duplication
- Taking two or more medications that contain the same active ingredient, which can lead to overdosing.
- Expectorant
- A medication that helps thin mucus and make it easier to cough up.
- Guaifenesin
- An expectorant ingredient that helps clear mucus from the airways.
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...
More answers from Brian →