Does Mucinex help with Covid?

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 or stuffy nose
• chest congestion and mucous
• 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 guaifenesin, 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 the table 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. In Sept. 2023, the FDA stated that this ingredient is ineffective as a nasal decongestant.
• 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, let's say you have chest congestion and a cough, but NOT a sore throat, headache or fever.

• A product that contains only an expectorant (like guaifenesin for chest congestion) and a cough suppressant (like dextromethorphan) may work best.
• You don’t need a product containing acetaminophen, as it's typically used to treat pain, like a sore throat or headache, or to help lower a fever. The good news is that if you need acetaminophen later, it can always be added as a separate product.
• Pay attention to what each product on the shelf is used for, as they contain different medicines and formulations. Many products cannot be used in children under 12 years of age, and some products can cause drowsiness or may contain alcohol. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, you should avoid decongestants.
• Always read the OTC Drug Facts Label found on the package or in the product box.

Table: 8 Common and Highly Rated Mucinex Products

^{*Note: This table does not include all available Mucinex products. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions. Patient product ranking of at least 4.5 stars accessed from Mucinex.com. In Sept. 2023, the FDA stated that phenylephrine is ineffective as a nasal decongestant.}

Only use these products as directed on the package label or as directed by your healthcare provider. Follow dosing directions and age restrictions exactly.

For additional questions about Mucinex product selection or COVID symptoms, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

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How do I treat COVID at home?

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, or have symptoms that may be due to the COVID-19 virus and need to be tested, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Based on your age, health history or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend testing and a prescription treatment, such as the oral antiviral Paxlovid (generic name: nirmatrelvir and ritonavir). Paxlovid needs to be started within 5 days of your symptom onset. This medicine may help to keep you put of the hospital and might be life-saving, so do not hesitate to contact your doctor. Your doctor may also select additional or different treatments for you.

There’s other recommended self-care (at home) options for COVID symptoms.

• If you have milder symptoms of COVID, the CDC recommends getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and using over-the-counter products (like acetaminophen) for fever.
• In addition, to help prevent the spread of COVID to others, you may need to social distance or isolate for a period of time, wear a high quality mask, improve home ventilation.
• In general, it's always good idea to wash hands frequently and cover your coughs and sneezes to help prevent the spread of COVID.

Antibiotics will not treat or prevent COVID-19. Do not take antibiotics unless your doctor tells you to.

Severe COVID Symptoms

If you exhibit any severe symptoms of COVID, you or a caretaker should contact a healthcare provider or call for emergency medial treatment (call 911 in the US) right away.

Severe COVID symptoms may include:

• trouble breathing or shortness-of-breath
• persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• feeling confused
• an inability to wake up or stay awake
• pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on your skin tone

This is not all the information you need to know about the various Mucinex products for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions or the Drug Facts Label instructions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider.