Mucinex Dm Good For Sinus Infection

What Are The Main Differences Between Mucinex Vs Sudafed

Sudafed contains a nasal decongestant called pseudoephedrine . Sudafed helps relieve a stuffy nose.

Mucinex contains an expectorant called guaifenesin. Guaifenesin helps thin and loosen up chest congestion when you have a phlegmy cough. Some formulations of Mucinex also contain other ingredients like dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant.

Although both medications treat common cold symptoms, Sudafed and Mucinex are quite different. It is important to note that there are many products on the shelves with multiple ingredients which include pseudoephedrine or guaifenesin or both, but we are just focusing on the single-ingredient product of Sudafed vs Mucinex here. While shopping at the pharmacy, the pharmacist can help you figure out which product best suits your needs.

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Avoid A Hit Or Miss Approach

Even with the right type of Mucinex, dogs with chronic respiratory illnesses cannot be effectively treated with it.

For example:

The problem could be kennel cough and, while your dog may appear to respond well, over-the-counter Mucinex would be unnecessary and also unhelpful.

Safer pet respiratory treatment options exist, but ultimately your dog could require a prescription drug such as an antibiotic.

In other words, a vet really should be involved!

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Try: Nyquil Cold & Flu

Sometimes, above all, you just need a good nights sleep. NyQuil packs a powerful punch, using dextromethorphan to keep coughing at bay and acetaminophen to soothe sore throat, headache, and/or fever. While antihistamines generally arent recommended to treat cold symptoms, in this case, the drowsy effect will help get you to sleep.

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Does Mucinex Dry Out Sinuses

Does Mucinex dry out sinuses? Yes: Mucinex can thin your mucus, and the -d in mucinex-d stands for decongestant and can dry your nose/sinuses out.

What are the ingredients in Mucinex Sinus? Mucinex D contains two active ingredients, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. Psuedoephedrine is in this formulation is used as a nasal decongestant. It is very effective in reducing nasal inflammation, a stuffy nose and to clear the sinuses. It is particularly effective when being used to alleviate sinus pressure.

Is Mucinex good for head congestion? When nasal congestion or sinus pressure build, it can feel like a ton of bricks have landed on your head. However, many Mucinex Sinus-Max® products are designed to help clear up your stuffy nose, relieve headaches and thin and loosen excess mucus.

Is Mucinex DM used for nasal congestion? Mucinex D tablets are used to treat nasal and sinus congestion. Mucinex D also is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.

What Is A Sinus Infection

Your sinuses are hollow cavities found in the bones around your eyes and nose. When you have a sinus infection, the thin tissue that lines them the mucous membrane becomes inflamed. That inflammation leads to a buildup of mucus, which contributes to a stuffy nose and puts pressure on the surrounding areas. Thus, the characteristic sinus headache.

Sinusitis can be acute, subacute or chronic. Most common are acute infections, which last less than 4 weeks. Anything going over 12 weeks is defined as chronic sinusitis. Anything in between is typically called a subacute infection.

About 1 or 2 percent of sinus infections are bacterial. Up to 80 percent of these resolve on their own in under two weeks, while the rest may be treated by antibiotics, depending on the advice of your healthcare provider .

Not every cold causes a sinus infection, and not every sinus infection is caused by a cold. Both acute and chronic sinusitis can also be triggered by allergies, fungus, medical conditions and nasal issues like polyps or a deviated septum.

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Mucinex Vs Mucinex D Vs Mucinex Dm: What Is The Difference

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the differences between three Mucinex products: Mucinex, Mucinex D and Mucinex DM.

Question

Im confused about the difference between all the different types of Mucinex products out there. Can you give a rundown on what each product actually has in it?

Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Safe Cough And Sore Throat Remedies During Pregnancy

• Dextromethorphan or Dextromethorphan-guaifenesin, such as Robitussin and Robitussin DM. 120 mg in 24 hours
• Nasal drops or sprays
• Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, for aches, pains, sore throat and fever
• Salt water gargling
• Menthol rub on chest, temples and under the nose
• Chloraseptic spray
• Cough drops or lozenges containing benzocaine
• Expectorant during the day

Cough and Flu Medications to Avoid During Pregnancy

• Bactrim, an antibiotic

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Is Whiskey Good For Sinus Infection

Whiskey is an effective decongestant. The alcohol dilates the blood vessels. The steam from the hot beverages works with the decongestant benefits of the alcohol and makes it easier for the mucus membranes to deal with the nasal congestion. Whiskey can also relieve aching muscles and soothe a sore throat.

Sneezing Runny Nose And Watery Eyes

These symptoms are the result of histamine release, which isan immune response to an invading virus. Chlorpheniramine, such as TriaminicAllergy, and diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, are safe to take duringpregnancy. However, both can cause drowsiness, so these are best taken atbedtime. The maximum dosage for chlorpheniramine is 32 mg in 24 hours.

When compared to placebos, antihistamines have the most successful resultswithin the first couple days of treatment. Patients didnt report any relief ofsymptoms between days three and 10. Newer antihistamines, such as loratadine, are approved for allergies, not colds, so there isnt informationabout how well they work for cold symptoms.

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A Word About Antibiotics

So many patients call asking for antibiotics for a cold,usually when theyve had symptoms for several days. There are a few times whenantibiotics are appropriate, for instance, strep throat or sinus infectionscaused by bacteria. But antibiotics simply dont work against viruses thatcause the common cold. Overprescribing antibiotics for viral illnesses leads toantibiotic resistance, which means the bacteria grow stronger over time andbecome tougher to beat with antibiotics.If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for cold symptoms, its usually a short,three-day round of drugs. The patient often feels better after finishing themedication but probably would have recovered in that timeframe anyway withoutthe drug.

Cut Back On Dairy Products

Many people suffering from post-nasal drip swear that giving up or at least cutting back on dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese reduces mucus production and eases their symptoms. No studies have proven definitively that the strategy is helpful, but personal stories abound.

“I don’t think it’s an old wives’ tale,” said Dr. Liberatore. “There’s not great data, but patients have shared with me how much better they feel when they eliminate dairy.”

A 2018 literature review published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood suggested that while studies do not seem to associate dairy with increased mucus production, a couple studies have suggested that what people think is an increase in mucus production after eating dairy is actually the result of the dairy making the saliva thicker and more viscous .

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A Note On Antihistamines

While antihistamines like chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine can treat sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, theyre intended to treat those symptoms when theyre caused by allergies. If you have a cold or a sinus infection, antihistamines may make it more difficult to treat, says Dr. Tweel. I havent found them to be significant in my practice. Plus, theres a teaching you shouldnt use antihistamines for a cold.

Is Sudafed Or Mucinex More Effective

Since Sudafed treats nasal congestion, and Mucinex treats chest congestion/productive cough, comparing their efficacy is like comparing apples to oranges, as they are different medications for different indications. However, we can look at each drugs efficacy.

Sudafed has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for nasal congestion. Mucinex has been shown to be safe and effective in treating chest congestion.

Both Sudafed and Mucinex can be very effective in their respective treatments however, when choosing a medication for yourself, it is always best to check with your healthcare provider who has your full medical history and can help you select the most appropriate medication.

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Who Should Not Take Mucinex

Do not use in children aged less than twelve years. May not be suitable for people with a persistent cough due to asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or smoking, or who have a cough that is producing excessive amounts of phlegm. Talk with your doctor first before using Mucinex if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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What Should I Avoid

Mucinex D can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants without your doctor’s advice. Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.

Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or cough medicine without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Mucinex D are contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains guaifenesin or pseudoephedrine.

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What Is A Sinus Infection And How To Treat It

Your sinuses are a system of air-filled chambers beneath the surface around your nose. When they become infected a condition also known as sinusitis inflammation can cause bothersome, potentially severe symptoms, such as congestion, pain and pressure in the head and face, cough or dry throat, fever and fatigue. Proper treatment for sinus infections depends on the type and your symptoms.

Sinus infections can be caused by a viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergens or environmental irritants. Viral sinusitis symptoms cause at least 90 percent of acute or quick onset sinus infections and typically last a week to 10 days. Bacterial infections typically cause more severe symptoms, such as a fever of 102 or higher, facial pain for at least a few days and green, thick nasal discharge. Sinusitis can also be chronic. In these cases, symptoms might be milder, less sudden and last for 12 weeks or longer. They may also occur numerous times throughout the year. Fungal sinus infections usually occur in people who have conditions that weaken immune function, such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS and diabetes.

In addition to any needed medical treatment, you can take some of the following steps to help manage symptoms and lower your odds of recurring infections.

What Is Mucinex Dm

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Guaifenesin is an expectorant.

Mucinex DM is a combination medicine used to treat cough and chest congestion caused by the common cold or allergies.

Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking.

There are many brands and forms of this medication available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Mucinex DM may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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What Causes Post Nasal Drip

Post nasal drip occurs when nasal glands either secrete more mucus than normal, or thicker mucus. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including the following:

• A common cold: A common cold causes excess mucus to fill your nose, which often leads to post nasal drip.
• Allergies and irritants in the air: Allergens and other irritants can cause more mucus in your nose, which is linked to postnasal drip.
• Reflux: Post nasal drip is a major symptom of laryngopharyngeal reflux, a condition where stomach acid rises into the throat, Thompson says.
• Sinus infections: Runny and stuffy noses are common symptoms of a sinus infection and can cause post nasal drip.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the increase in hormones can trigger swelling of the nasal glands, causing roughly one-third of women to experience post nasal drip.
• Spicy foods: In response to spiciness, many people’s bodies release extra mucus, which can lead to post nasal drip.

Put A Stop To Your Constant Coughing And Sore Throatand Even That Icky Dripping Feeling

Amanda Gardner is a freelance health reporter whose stories have appeared in cnn.com, health.com, cnn.com, WebMD, HealthDay, Self Magazine, the New York Daily News, Teachers & Writers Magazine, the Foreign Service Journal, AmeriQuests and others. In 2009, she served as writer-in-residence at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She is also a community artist and recipient or partner in five National Endowment for the Arts grants.

Glands in your nose and throat are continuously making mucusnormally up to one or two quarts a day, per the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery . All this mucus keeps membranes in your body moist and helps to fight infection. The mucus also traps what is inhaled . Most of the time you don’t even notice the flow you usually swallow mucus produced in your nose and sinuses without even thinking about it.

But other times, like when you’re sick, mucus production ramps up. In those cases, it’s hard to ignore the runny nose or the feeling of the mucus trickling down the back of your throat, otherwise known as post-nasal dripand the resulting sore or irritated throat.

Those “aggravating circumstances” could include a cold, the flu, allergies, or even changes in temperature, dehydration, or eating spicy foods.

If your post-nasal drip symptoms don’t go away, you may need to see a doctor. But there are many post-nasal drip remedies to try before reaching that point. Here’s where to start.

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Safe Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy

• Metamucil, Citracel, Fibercon, Benefiber
• Stool softeners colace ,1 tablet 2-3 times a day, pericolace ,1 tablet 1-3 times a day
• Laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia, Correctal, Fleets enema and Miralax
• Imodium liquid or capsules for diarrhea
• Psyllium, which is the basic ingredient in Konsyl and Metamucil

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What Is Mucinex D

Mucinex D extended release tablets contain a combination of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion .

Mucinex D tablets are used to treat nasal and sinus congestion. Mucinex D also is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies.

Mucinex D may also be used for purposes other than those listed.

For A Chronic Canine Cough

While Mucinex can ease all sorts of cold and flu symptoms, it may be necessary to have a vet examine your dog.

A bad cough and/or excess phlegm could be signs of other pulmonary problems or even a heart condition.

Coughing with heavy breathing may indicate pneumonia which would require immediate care.

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When To See A Doctor

If you have a persistent post nasal drip, a doctor can help you identify the cause of the condition and treat it.

If you have tried over-the-counter and home remedies for a few days without improvement or you have post nasal drip that lasts longer than a week, you should seek medical attention, Thompson says.

Likewise, you should see a doctor if you have a fever since that can indicate an infection.

“If post nasal drip is accompanied by facial pain or pressure and loss of smell then you may have a sinus infection requiring antibiotics. If you have indigestion or heartburn then you may have acid reflux.

If you have itchy eyes and nose then you may have seasonal allergies,” he says.

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Mucinex D

You should not use guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine if you are allergic to it.

Do not use guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication if you have:

• high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease

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