Mucinex (guaifenesin) alternatives: What can I take instead of Mucinex?

In this article:

• Mucinex alternatives
• Generic Mucinex
• Mucinex DM and other Mucinex products
• Tessalon Perles
• Antihistamines
• G Tussin AC
• Mucinex vs. Mucinex DM
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch
• Choosing the right treatment

In this article

• Mucinex alternatives
• Generic Mucinex
• Mucinex DM and other Mucinex products
• Tessalon Perles
• Antihistamines
• G Tussin AC
• Mucinex vs. Mucinex DM
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch
• Choosing the right treatment

Mucinex, which contains the active ingredient guaifenesin, is a popular over-the-counter medication used for chest congestion. It’s particularly helpful for productive coughs, or those that bring up mucus, like the coughing typical of the common cold or flu. As an expectorant, it helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. In some cases, a different medication may be more appropriate, starting with nonprescription drugs that contain other symptom-relief medications, such as a cough suppressant. In some instances, guaifenesin may not be the most effective treatment for a phlegmy cough. 

What can I take instead of Mucinex?

Guaifenesin is the only over-the-counter expectorant sold in the United States, which means there isn’t a nonprescription alternative that works the same way. Other options include different guaifenesin products or a medication that treats chest congestion or cough symptoms differently. For example, a cough suppressant or a combination product may be preferred. 

Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, is the most common drug combined with guaifenesin. This is usually labeled by adding “DM” to the brand product name, like “Mucinex DM.” Other drugs that are often combined with guaifenesin include nasal decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, or a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen. Many multi-symptom cold and flu medicines include several ingredients in a single product. Prescription options that combine guaifenesin with codeine may be used for more severe coughing.

In some cases, guaifenesin may not be the best option, especially if postnasal drip is causing the cough. An antihistamine combined with dextromethorphan may be more effective in this case. Products like Endacof DM (brompheniramine-dextromethorphan-phenylephrine) or Coricidin HBP Cough/Cold (chlorpheniramine-dextromethorphan) may help reduce mucus and relieve symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes. The best alternative will depend on the underlying cause of symptoms. 

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 01/08/2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.

Top 5 Mucinex alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Mucinex. Always double-check the label to ensure the medication is safe for the patient’s age, and ask your pharmacist for help if you have any questions or are unsure which medication to purchase or what dosage to use.

1. Generic Mucinex (guaifenesin)

Brand names are more expensive than generics. Mucinex contains guaifenesin, an expectorant, which helps with chest congestion/productive cough. If Mucinex is working well for you and you are looking for a lower-priced alternative, you can purchase generic guaifenesin tablets. They can usually be found right next to the Mucinex tablets, usually packaged under the retailer’s brand name. You can also find guaifenesin in a liquid form. 

2. Mucinex DM and other Mucinex products

Mucinex DM is a cough medicine that contains guaifenesin, a cough suppressant, and dextromethorphan, which may help manage a cough and thin phlegm. However, dextromethorphan may add side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or nausea. Mucinex D contains pseudoephedrine to help relieve nasal congestion, but it may cause side effects such as headache, restlessness, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Mucinex Cold & Flu includes all these medications along with acetaminophen to help with aches and fever. 

RELATED: Safe cold medicine for high blood pressure

3. Tessalon Perles (benzonatate)

Benzonatate is a prescription, non-opioid cough suppressant that works by numbing certain receptors in the airways to calm the cough reflex. However, it doesn’t loosen mucus and is typically used for persistent, dry coughs rather than wet, productive coughs. Capsules need to be swallowed whole to avoid numbness in the mouth and throat.

4. Antihistamines

Antihistamines may help if a cough is caused by allergies or postnasal drip instead of chest congestion. Second-generation antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine) and Allegra (fexofenadine) are less sedating and can be used during the day. First-generation antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), may help with a nighttime cough, but they can cause drowsiness. Still, these medications don’t thin mucus and aren’t typically used for productive coughs.

5. G Tussin AC (guaifenesin and codeine phosphate)

Sometimes, a cough is persistent enough or severe enough to require a stronger antitussive than dextromethorphan. The most common prescription cough suppressant is codeine, an opioid that suppresses the cough centers of the brain. For productive coughs due to chest congestion, guaifenesin and codeine are a potential option, especially for short-term or nighttime relief.

Mucinex vs. Mucinex DM

Mucinex contains only extended-release guaifenesin, but Mucinex DM includes dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant. The added dextromethorphan increases the price and may cause side effects like drowsiness or dizziness.

Natural alternatives to Mucinex

In addition to Mucinex or any alternative, other home remedies you can try to help your cough include:

• Increase vitamin C intake through supplements and/or foods such as oranges, grapefruits, bell peppers, and strawberries to help support the immune system.
• Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and soothe your throat. Warm liquids like soup and tea may help, as can cold foods like ice cream and popsicles.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier in your room. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and cleaning.
• Get plenty of rest so your body can recover.
• Sleep in an elevated position to help keep mucus from dripping down your throat. 
• Suck on lozenges. 
• For adults and pediatric patients 1 year of age or older, try swallowing 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey.
• If you have sinus congestion, you can try a saline nasal rinse. 
• Take an OTC pain reliever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) if a sore throat accompanies your cough. Make sure any other medications you take do not contain acetaminophen, though. 

How to switch to a Mucinex alternative

If you are interested in switching to a Mucinex alternative, it can be helpful to ask a healthcare provider or pharmacist. The over-the-counter cough and cold medication aisle contains hundreds of medications, many of which look very similar. A healthcare provider or pharmacist can help you select the best option based on your symptoms and other factors, such as medical conditions or other medications you take. 

If guaifenesin is not working for you, your symptoms worsen, or you have any concerning symptoms like a high fever or severe pain, get medical advice from a healthcare provider. You may have a medical condition that requires more serious treatment, such as a prescription cough suppressant, antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or other medical care. 

Choosing the right path for congestion treatment

Chest congestion is a common experience. We are all exposed to colds, flus, and other transient problems that can cause excess mucus. These typically resolve over time, so the standard advice is to rest, drink plenty of fluids, use steam or guaifenesin to loosen mucus, and keep the head elevated while sleeping. 

Before using Mucinex or any other product containing guaifenesin, get medical advice from a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have been coughing for longer than seven days, have a serious lung disease, or are coughing up a lot of phlegm. Do not give extended-release guaifenesin to a child younger than 12 years of age until talking to a doctor. Some immediate-release guaifenesin products may be used in younger children, but check the label or ask a healthcare provider.

If you choose a guaifenesin product that contains a decongestant or dextromethorphan, read the warnings section on the package. Consult a healthcare provider if you have any of the conditions listed or if there’s a risk of drug interactions. 

Above all, see a doctor or other healthcare provider if breathing is difficult, there’s blood in the mucus you cough up, or you have severe symptoms like a high fever or a persistent headache. These are signs of a more serious condition that will require the help of a healthcare professional.