Mucinex vs. Robitussin AC

• Are Guaifenesin (Mucinex) and Guaifenesin and Codeine (Robitussin AC) the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Guaifenesin (Mucinex)?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Guaifenesin and Codeine (Robitussin AC)?
• What Is Guaifenesin (Mucinex)?
• What Is Guaifenesin and Codeine (Robitussin AC)?
• What Drugs Interact with Guaifenesin (Mucinex)?
• What Drugs Interact with Guaifenesin and Codeine (Robitussin AC)?
• How Should Guaifenesin (Mucinex) Be Taken?
• How Should Guaifenesin and Codeine (Robitussin AC) Be Taken?

Mucinex (guaifenesin) and Robitussin Ac (guaifenesin and codeine) are used to treat coughs and congestion caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses.

Mucinex is available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a generic and Robitussin Ac is available with a prescription.

Both Mucinex and Robitussin Ac contain an expectorant. Robitussin Ac also contains a narcotic.

Side effects of Mucinex and Robitussin Ac that are similar include dizziness, drowsiness, stomach pain or upset, nausea, vomiting, headache, and skin rash.

Side effects of Mucinex that are different from Robitussin Ac include decreased uric acid levels.

Side effects of Robitussin Ac that are different from Mucinex include lightheadedness, facial flushing, constipation, itching, or warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin.

Mucinex may interact with other drugs.

Robitussin Ac may interact with alcohol, cimetidine, quinidine, naloxone, naltrexone, or other medicines that make you sleepy (such as allergy medicines, other narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicines for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

Do not stop using Robitussin Ac suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Common side effects of Guaifenesin (Mucinex) include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Decreased uric acid levels
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Rash

Postmarketing side effects of guaifenesin reported include:

• Kidney stone formation

Common side effects of Guaifenesin and Codeine (Robitussin AC) include:

• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• lightheadedness,
• headache,
• facial flushing,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• constipation,
• skin rash,
• itching, or
• warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin.

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Robitussin Ac including:

• mental/mood changes (e.g., hallucinations),
• fast or irregular heartbeat, or
• trouble urinating.

Get medical help right away if you have a very serious side effect of Robitussin Ac such as seizure.

Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is used to treat coughs and congestion caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.

If you are self-treating with guaifenesin (Mucinex), it is important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using this product to be sure it is right for you.

Guaifenesin and Codeine (Robitussin AC) (diclofenac potassium) Liquid Filled Capsules is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for relief of mild to moderate acute pain.

Guaifenesin (Mucinex) may interact with alcohol, antidepressants, blood thinners, lithium, methotrexate, diuretics (water pills), steroids, aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), or ACE inhibitors. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with Guaifenesin (Mucinex); it may harm a fetus. Taking Guaifenesin (Mucinex) during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the fetus. Do not take Guaifenesin (Mucinex) during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to. Guaifenesin (Mucinex) can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Robitussin Ac may interact with cimetidine, quinidine, naloxone, naltrexone, or other medicines that make you sleepy (such as allergy medicine, narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and seizure medicine, depression, or anxiety). Tell your doctor all medications you use.

Adult and Pediatric Dosage Forms & Strengths

Tablet

• 200 mg
• 400 mg

Tablet, extended-release

• 600 mg
• 1200 mg

Oral syrup

• 100 mg/5mL

Liquid

• 100 mg/5mL
• 200 mg/5mL

Packet

• 50 mg
• 100 mg

Take Robitussin Ac by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed with a full glass of water or as directed by your doctor.