How Long After Taking Mucinex Can You Drink Alcohol?

Can you drink alcohol 12 hours after taking Mucinex

You shouldn’t drink alcohol while taking Mucinex. Mixing alcohol and dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant in some Mucinex products, can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. Alcohol and Mucinex can also cause liver damage.

How long should you wait to drink after taking mucinex DM

How Long Should You Wait Before Drinking? – Due to alcohol’s harmful effects on the immune system, it is best to wait until you have gotten over your cough or cold before you start drinking again. If you start drinking too soon, you could counteract the medications you are taking to relieve your symptoms and worsen your infection.

Additionally, if you have taken a product that contains dextromethorphan, such as Robitussin DM, it is best to avoid drinking until the dextromethorphan has left your system. The half-life of dextromethorphan, or how long it takes half the drug to completely leave your body, can range from two to 24 hours,

Because it takes five half-lives for a drug to completely leave your system, dextromethorphan can stay in your body for as little as 10 hours or as long as five days.

How long until Mucinex is out of your system?

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Dextromethorphan? – It generally takes between 24-72 hours for dextromethorphan to leave the body’s system. After the body has physically detoxed the body will go through withdrawal symptoms that can last several weeks and can be traumatic enough that the user may need to seek help from a professional program. Seek for various options in your area.

How long does guaifenesin stay in your system?

6. Response and effectiveness –

Some effects of guaifenesin should be noticed within 30 minutes of taking it orally; however, up to two days of regular dosing may be needed before the full effects are seen. Liquid guaifenesin lasts for approximately four to six hours. Delayed-release capsules or tablets last for up to 12 hours.

How many hours after can I take Mucinex?

Uses – This is used for the temporary relief of caused by the,, and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing from or long-term (such as, ) unless directed by your doctor. is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using this product to be sure it is right for you.

1. See also Precautions section.)-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years.
2. This product (sustained-release) is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years unless specifically directed by the doctor.
3. Ask your doctor or for more details about using your product safely.These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold.

To decrease the risk for side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not give other -and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).

• Take this by with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours with a full glass of water.
• If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package.
• If you have any questions, ask your doctor or,
• Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment.

Do not take more than 2400 milligrams in 24 hours. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Fluids will help to break up and clear congestion. Tell your doctor if your condition returns, or if it is accompanied by a that doesn’t go away, fever, severe,, or if it lasts or gets worse after 7 days. These may be signs of a serious medical problem.

Seek immediate medical attention if you think you may have a serious medical problem.

Should you take Mucinex at night?

Mucinex and Nyquil Cold & Flu are two common over-the-counter remedies. They can be taken together, but not at night. Mucinex can cause coughing, making it hard to get a good night’s sleep. Compare the symptoms that each drug treats as well as their side effects, interactions, and warnings to see if one is a better option for you.

How long does it take for Mucinex to start working?

What does Mucinex do? The guaifenesin in Mucinex helps loosen and thin mucus in your airways. If you have a ‘wet’ cough, this can make the mucus easier to cough up. Guafenesin kicks in fast — usually within 30 minutes of taking it.

Why do you have to drink water after taking Mucinex

Proper Use – Drinking plenty of water while taking guaifenesin may help loosen mucus or phlegm in the lungs. For patients taking the extended-release capsule form of this medicine:

Swallow the capsule whole, or open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on soft food such as applesauce, jelly, or pudding and swallow without crushing or chewing.

For patients taking the extended-release tablet form of this medicine:

• If the tablet has a groove in it, you may carefully break it into two pieces along the groove. Then swallow the pieces whole, without crushing or chewing them.
• If the tablet does not have a groove, it must be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it before swallowing.

Is Mucinex DM OK to take at night?

If you’re having trouble sleeping because of your cough, you can take Mucinex DM (guaifenesin / dextromethorphan) about 30 minutes before bedtime, so it starts working to help you rest through the night.

Why do I feel weird after taking Mucinex

Mucinex DM, when taken as directed, can cause mild side effects such as nausea or constipation. The more serious adverse reactions are rare and caused by taking too much of the medication. The scene: You have chest congestion, so you cough and cough but still get no relief.

1. Now, on top of the congestion, you also can’t stop coughing.
2. You consider Mucinex DM because it’s made to treat both congestion and constant coughing.
3. But before you use it, you want to know about the side effects.
4. Here’s a look at the active ingredients of this drug and the side effects they can cause.

Keep reading to find out when the effects are most likely to happen, how to ease them, and what to do in the rare case that they’re severe.

Should i take Mucinex if i have COVID?

Managing Cough and Shortness of Breath –

• Over-the-counter medications used for upper respiratory infections may help alleviate symptoms.
• Those medications include guaifenesin (Mucinex), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), and dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym).
• Some medications include multiple drugs; contact your physician if you plan to take more than one medication to manage your symptoms.
• Other treatments that may help include: – Using a humidifier – Using a nasal rinse – Using a chest rub, such as Vicks VapoRub – Taking a hot shower – Propping yourself up with pillows
• – Practice slow, deep breathing in through the nose, out through the mouth

Is Mucinex hard on your body?

– Generally, if you use guaifenesin or Mucinex as directed, you should not have serious side effects. However, overuse or misuse can cause problems. Taking a dosage that’s too high may increase your risk of:

dizziness headachesevere gastrointestinal issues kidney stones

Can I drink alcohol 6 hours after taking Tylenol?

How Long Do You Need To Wait After Taking Tylenol® Before Drinking? – If you need to take Tylenol®, it’s best to wait at least 24 hours from the most recent dose of Tylenol® before having a drink. Waiting longer is generally better.

Why should you not take guaifenesin at night

Frequently Asked Questions –

• What is an expectorant used for? Expectorants are a type of cough medicine that thins mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel. An expectorant will not quiet a cough. It does the opposite: Expectorants make coughing more productive.
• What medications are expectorants? There are currently two expectorant ingredients available in the United States: guaifenesin and potassium iodide. Guaifenesin is the most commonly used expectorant in many cold, cough, and flu medications. Potassium iodide is widely used in breathing treatments for people with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.
• What is the main ingredient in Mucinex? Guaifenesin is the main ingredient in Mucinex. An expectorant, guaifenesin helps to loosen up chest congestion, making it easier to cough up.
• Should I take an expectorant during the day or at night? Guaifenesin and other expectorants work best during the daytime. An expectorant will cause you to cough more to clear congestion from the respiratory tract. While you can take it at night, it will not help you sleep and may keep you awake.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Kardos P. Management of cough in adults, Breathe,2010;7:122-133. doi:10.1183/20734735.019610
2. Parsons J. What does the color of phlegm mean? The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
3. National Library of Medicine. Guaifenesin,
4. Ramos FL, Krahnke JS, Kim V. Clinical issues of mucus accumulation in COPD, Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis,2014;9(1):139-150. doi:10.2147/COPD.S38938
5. MedlinePlus. Guaifenesin,
6. MedlinePlus. Dextromethorphan,
7. Food and Drug Administration. Highlights of prescribing information—phenylephrine hydrochloride,

Additional Reading

• Albrecht HH, Dicpinigaitis PV, Guenin EP. Role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections, Multidiscip Respir Med,2017;12:31. doi:10.1186/s40248-017-0113-4
• Falcon M, Iberico C, Guerra F, et al. A pilot study of safety of sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and guaifenesin in pediatric and adult patients with acute bronchitis, BMC Res Notes,2019;12(1):119. doi:10.1186/s13104-019-4150-2
• Kuang Y, Li B, Fan J, Qiao X, Ye M. Antitussive and expectorant activities of licorice and its major compounds, Bioorg Med Chem,2018;26(1):278-284. doi:10.1016/j.bmc.2017.11.046

By Deborah Leader, RN Deborah Leader RN, PHN, is a registered nurse and medical writer who focuses on COPD. Thanks for your feedback!

Does Mucinex interact with anything?

7. Interactions – Medicines that interact with Mucinex may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Mucinex. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does.

antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or imipramine, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or selegiline caffeine diet medications such as phentermine other cough and cold remedies that may also contain guaifenesin some medications used to treat high blood pressure stimulants, such as methylphenidate.

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Mucinex. You should refer to the prescribing information for Mucinex for a complete list of interactions.

Can I drink water after taking guaifenesin?

Proper Use – Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex ® Drinking plenty of water while taking guaifenesin may help loosen mucus or phlegm in the lungs. For patients taking the extended-release capsule form of this medicine:

Swallow the capsule whole, or open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on soft food such as applesauce, jelly, or pudding and swallow without crushing or chewing.

For patients taking the extended-release tablet form of this medicine:

If the tablet has a groove in it, you may carefully break it into two pieces along the groove. Then swallow the pieces whole, without crushing or chewing them. If the tablet does not have a groove, it must be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it before swallowing.

Can you drink alcohol while taking Mucinex night shift

Notes for Consumers: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication increases the risk of liver injury.

Does Mucinex interact with anything?

There are 328 drugs known to interact with Mucinex DM (dextromethorphan/guaifenesin), along with 1 alcohol/food interaction. Of the total drug interactions, 74 are major, 252 are moderate, and 2 are minor.

How long does it take for Mucinex to start working?

What does Mucinex do? The guaifenesin in Mucinex helps loosen and thin mucus in your airways. If you have a ‘wet’ cough, this can make the mucus easier to cough up. Guafenesin kicks in fast — usually within 30 minutes of taking it.

Should you take Mucinex at night

Mucinex and Nyquil Cold & Flu are two common over-the-counter remedies. They can be taken together, but not at night. Mucinex can cause coughing, making it hard to get a good night’s sleep. Compare the symptoms that each drug treats as well as their side effects, interactions, and warnings to see if one is a better option for you.