Key takeaways
The standard Mucinex DM dosage for cough and chest congestion in adults is one to two (1–2) regular-strength tablets every 12 hours.
The max dose of Mucinex DM is four (4) regular-strength tablets every 24 hours.
Mucinex DM is available as regular-strength and maximum-strength tablets.
The best time to take Mucinex DM is every 12 hours as needed.
Do not take Mucinex DM if you are taking drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Do not give Mucinex DM to children younger than 6 years old.
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How much Mucinex DM should I take? |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Patient | Typical starting dose | Standard dosage | Maximum dose |
| Cough and chest congestion (adults) | 1–2 regular strength tablets every 12 hours (1 maximum strength tablet every 12 hours) | 1–2 regular strength tablets every 12 hours (1 maximum strength tablet every 12 hours) | No more than 4 regular strength tablets every 24 hours (no more than 2 maximum strength tablets every 24 hours) |
| Cough and chest congestion (children) | 1–2 regular strength tablets every 12 hours (1 maximum strength tablet every 12 hours) | 1–2 regular strength tablets every 12 hours (1 maximum strength tablet every 12 hours) | No more than 4 regular strength tablets every 24 hours (no more than 2 maximum strength tablets every 24 hours) |
The dosages listed are general guidelines; your healthcare provider may adjust your dose based on individual health factors.
Mucinex DM is an over-the-counter (OTC) combination oral medication that relieves cough and chest congestion due to the common cold, flu, and allergies. Each tablet combines two active ingredients: dextromethorphan hydrobromide, a cough suppressant, and guaifenesin, a drug that thins mucus and bronchial secretions in the lungs. Guaifenesin lasts a short time, so each Mucinex bi-layer tablet contains both immediate-release and extended-release formulations of guaifenesin. Mucinex DM is taken by mouth once every 12 hours and is available in regular and maximum strength.
Detailed Mucinex DM dosage chart for adults |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Indication | Starting dose | Standard dose | Maximum dose |
| Cough and chest congestion (regular strength) | 1–2 tablets every 12 hours | 1–2 tablets every 12 hours | No more than 4 tablets every 24 hours |
| Cough and chest congestion (maximum strength) | 1 tablet every 12 hours | 1 tablet every 12 hours | No more than 2 tablets every 24 hours |
Detailed Mucinex DM dosage chart for children |
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|---|---|---|
| Weight/age | Recommended dose (tablet) | Recommended dose (liquid) |
| 12 years of age and older | 1–2 regular strength tablets every 12 hours (1 maximum strength tablet every 12 hours) | 20 mL every 4 hours (Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max) |
Mucinex DM dosage for wet and dry cough
Mucinex DM relieves productive (wet) and unproductive (dry) coughing caused by the common cold, flu, or allergies. The expectorant (guaifenesin) helps to loosen and thin mucus in the lungs’ passageways, making coughs more productive. The medication does not decrease the phlegm, but it does help thin it so that when you cough, the secretions can come up. Additionally, the cough suppressant (dextromethorphan HBr) relieves the intensity and frequency of coughs.
Mucinex DM safety info
Mucinex DM is a relatively safe nonprescription drug. Side effects are minimal, usually nausea or drowsiness
.
Never give Mucinex DM to a child younger than 12 years of age. Mucinex DM should never be taken by anyone taking an MAOI drug. MAOI drugs are a family of antihypertensive drugs that are rarely prescribed. These drugs must be stopped for at least two weeks before it’s safe to take Mucinex DM.
Mucinex DM may not be right for anyone coughing up excessive phlegm or who has a persistent, chronic cough due to smoking, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, or emphysema. Talk to a healthcare provider first.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should get medical advice from a healthcare professional before taking Mucinex DM.
Stop taking Mucinex DM and see a healthcare provider if coughing persists for more than seven days, returns, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a persistent headache. These symptoms need further investigation with a targeted history, physical exam, and possibly imaging.
If more than the maximum daily dose of Mucinex DM is taken, call a poison control center for medical advice.
How to take Mucinex DM
Mucinex DM is available in one dosage form: oral tablets. The tablets are taken every 12 hours without regard to food.
Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
Adults and children who have trouble swallowing a tablet can use brand-name Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max, a liquid formulation of Mucinex DM.
Store the medication at room temperature (68–77 F).
Mucinex DM dosage FAQs
How long does it take Mucinex DM to work?
Mucinex DM begins working in 15-30 minutes and lasts up to 12 hours.
Are there any specific age restrictions for taking Mucinex DM?
Children younger than 12 should not be given Mucinex DM.
Should Mucinex DM be taken with or without food?
You can take Mucinex DM tablets with or without food.
What is the maximum dosage for Mucinex DM?
The maximum dosage of Mucinex DM is 1200 mg/60 mg every 12 hours to a maximum of 2400 mg/120 mg in a single day. The maximum 12-hour dosage amounts to two Mucinex DM tablets or one Maximum Strength Mucinex DM tablet.
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