How Long Does It Take For Mucinex To Start Working – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults get two to three colds a year on average. This often supports the need to take medication. Mucinex, also known as guaifenesin, is one such drug. If you have been prescribed this medication, you may be wondering what Mucinex does to the body, its effects, and how long it takes for Mucinex to start working.
The Mayo Clinic says Mucinex is available as a prescription and over-the-counter drug. It can help clear phlegm or phlegm during a cold or flu. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, guaifenesin, the main ingredient in Mucinex, also relieves coughs by thinning or blocking attacks in people with upper respiratory tract infections. Drugs.com adds that guaifenesin’s mechanism of action begins by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of respiratory secretions, making it easier to cough up mucus trapped in the airways.
How Long Does It Take For Mucinex To Start Working
According to Drugs.com, Mucinex can act quickly, and users can begin to see an improvement in their symptoms within 30 minutes of starting the medication. However, the source added that it could take up to two days before the full effects are seen. MedlinePlus further notes that guaifenesin comes in several forms, including capsules, extended-release tablets, dispersible granules, and syrups. According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor will determine the best Mucinex dosage and regimen, which may depend on your medical condition. Following your doctor’s instructions is important to get the full benefit. As a guideline, the Mayo Clinic states that adults usually take 200 to 400 mg every 4 hours as the usual short-term oral dose. Children who receive a regular short-term dose are usually given 50 mg to 100 mg or 100 mg to 200 mg, depending on their age.
Mucinex Dm Expectorant & Cough Suppressant Extended Release Bi Layer Tablets
According to WebMD, the most effective way to take Mucinex is to swallow the drug whole or break the tablet. The source advises against crushing or eating Mucinex as it can increase the strength and dangerous side effects of the drug. Also, drinking plenty of fluids while taking this medication can help clear congestion, according to WebMD.
Antibiotics such as Mucinex can interact with other medications and increase the risk of side effects, according to the Cleveland Clinic. For example, according to the Cleveland Clinic, combining Mucinex with cold and flu medications – especially those containing phenylephrine – can cause harmful interactions. Healthline says some of the common side effects of Mucinex include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, skin rash and hives. Serious side effects such as kidney stones can occur, although they are usually rare and related to abuse or misuse.
A 1999 study published in the Journal of Endourology warned that people taking Mucinex were at risk of developing kidney stones if they were large enough. They can also become vulnerable to alcohol or drug addiction as a result. According to Drugs.com, some medications containing guaifenesin contain pseudoephedrine and nasal decongestants to relieve sinus congestion. Commonly used over-the-counter cold and cough medicines, such as pseudoephedrine, can cause harmful cardiovascular side effects, especially stroke, according to Harvard Medical School. Pseudoephedrine can adversely affect the heart and increase blood pressure levels, making it harmful to health.