I'm already sick. Probably best not to do further damage.

September 2, 2009 8:07 PM

Is it safe to mix Nyquil with Mucinex (guaifenesin)?

YANMD, etc. etc. I plan on getting an appointment set up tomorrow. Just hoping a friendly pharmacist out there might know. I've searched Google and only turn up results for Mucinex DM. I have maximum strength Mucinex (1200 mg Guaifenesin) extended relief tablets as well as the newer Nyquil formula (325 mg Acetaminophen, 15 mg Dextromethorphan HBr, and 6.25 mg Doxylamine succinate). Every website I see warns about taking the Mucinex DM with Nyquil because of the Dextromethorphan in both, but nothing for the normal. I've already taken one of the Mucinex pills, but I was hoping the Nyquil would help put me to sleep. Thanks!

posted by fishmasta to health & fitness (7 comments total)

It's fine - I've done it before with no ill effects.
posted by The Light Fantastic at 8:12 PM on September 2

I've used this site to check for interactions before. When I punched in guaifenesin and Nyquil cold it came back with no ill effects.
posted by Octoparrot at 8:18 PM on September 2

Another one for I've done it. It makes sleeping possible sometimes.
posted by magnetsphere at 8:23 PM on September 2

A Mucinex DM is 30mg DXM and 600mg guaifensin. If you take two of 'em, as per the directions, you'll get 60mg DXM and 1200mg guaifensin.

If that's safe — and it must be, or they wouldn't be allowed to sell Mucinex DM over the counter — than the lower-dose combo you're considering, 15mg DXM and 1200mg guaifensin, ought to be fine as well.
posted by nebulawindphone at 8:27 PM on September 2

Thanks everyone. I figured as much, but never hurts to check. Next stop, bed.
posted by fishmasta at 8:31 PM on September 2

THIS is a question for the local pharmacist who almost never gets any questions from people under 65. You know that dude at the local drugstore, grocery, or corner store behind the glass. Yeah...him. Its his job to tell you about interactions of drugs. Just to make sure you get a legit answer, grab one of each product when you take it up to him so he thinks you may buy from his store and make him responsible for his answer.

Good luck.
posted by hal_c_on at 10:27 PM on September 2 [1 favorite]

Mucinex D is an expectorant and decongestant. Nyquil is a multi symptom cold medicine. If you have a cough and Mucinex D helps, keep taking it, but don't mix it with Nyquil.
You are better off getting a cough syrup that contains only dextromethorphan hydrobromide and nothing else. The Mucinex D will not conflict with it. Don't get a cough syrup that contains any of the same medicines as Mucinex D. If it also contained a decongestant, you could cause yourself heart related problems doubling up on the decongestants because they are an "upper".
posted by runningoutoftime at 10:01 AM on September 3