Mucinex products do not help to prevent or treat the COVID-19 virus itself, but might help relieve some of the symptoms of COVID, like chest congestion, cough, or headache. Select a product that targets only the symptoms you have.

The various Mucinex products contain active ingredients that may help to relieve symptoms like:

• cough
• fever
• headache
• runny nose
• congestion
• sore throat

Can I buy Mucinex over-the-counter?

Yes, Mucinex is an over-the-counter product and can be found on the shelves at most pharmacies or grocery stores. Mucinex is available with just guaifenasin, an expectorant used to thin mucous and relieve chest congestion. It's also available with other ingredients, to help relieve cough, body aches, headache, sinus pressure and runny or stuffy nose symptoms.

Mucinex over-the-counter (OTC) products are not specifically indicated for the treatment or prevention of the COVID-19 virus.

Which Mucinex product should I use?

You should select a Mucinex product based on your symptoms, age, whether you need to take it at day or night, and other information found in the Drug Facts Label on each package. Look for any warnings (for example, if you have high blood pressure or diabetes) or drug interactions to see if they pertain to you.

There are over 45 specific Mucinex products available for both adults and children, so if you feel confused, you are probably not alone. See Table 1 below for a list of common Mucinex products that have been highly ranked by patients.

• Products are available in oral liquids, tablets, caplets, liquid gels (liquid filled capsules), extended-release (longer-acting) products, dissolvable packets, throat sprays and nasal sprays in various strengths and with varying ingredients.
• Certain products are for nighttime use only as they can cause drowsiness. Other products can be used both day and night. Combo packs with both daytime and night products are also available.
• Some products may be available as a store brand or generic formulation that can usually help you save money.

The most common active ingredients found in the various Mucinex OTC products include:

• Acetaminophen - for mild pain (sore throat, body aches), headache and fever reduction.
• Dextromethorphan - a cough suppressant.
• Diphenhydramine - an antihistamine (for sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose) / cough suppressant.
• Doxylamine - an antihistamine (for sneezing and a runny nose)
• Guaifenesin - an expectorant; thins and loosens mucus in the airways to help improve chest congestion
• Oxymetazoline - a decongestant nasal spray
• Phenylephrine - a nasal decongestant; helps clear a stuffy nose.
• Triprolidine - an antihistamine (for sneezing and a runny nose).

You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for help in selecting the right product for your symptoms. It’s best to choose a product that targets only the specific symptoms you need to treat.

• For example, if you have a chest congestion and a cough, but not a sore throat or headache, a product that contains that contains an expectorant (like guaifenesin) and a cough suppressant (like dextromethorphan) may work best, but you don’t need acetaminophen to treat pain, like a sore throat or headache.
• If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, you should avoid decongestants.
• Pay attention to what ages these products are used for, as they contain different formulations.
• Many products cannot be used in children under 12 years of age.
• Always read the OTC Drug Facts Label found on the package or in the product box.

Table 1: 8 Common and Highly Rated Mucinex Products