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Mucinex (guaifenesin) alternatives: What can I take instead of Mucinex?

Mucinex (guaifenesin) doesn't work for everyone. Guaifenesin, Mucinex DM, Diabetic Tussin, Tessalon, and Coricidin HBP are some Mucinex alternatives. Get the full list here.
Karen Berger medical writer and reviewer headshot
By | Aug. 11, 2023
Rx pills and pill bottles: Mucinex alternatives

Key takeaways

  • Guaifenesin, the active ingredient in Mucinex, is used for chest congestion. It comes in brand-name and generic forms and in combination with other medications.

  • Alternatives to Mucinex include over-the-counter options like Guaifenesin tablets, Mucinex DM, Diabetic Tussin Chest Congestion, and prescription medications such as Tessalon (benzonatate) and Coricidin HBP Chest Congestion & Cough.

  • Natural remedies for cough and chest congestion include increasing vitamin C intake, staying hydrated, using a humidifier, getting rest, and employing saline nasal rinses or honey for relief.

  • Switching to a Mucinex alternative should involve consultation with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure the new medication is appropriate based on symptoms, medical conditions, and potential drug interactions.

In this article:

Mucinex, which contains the active ingredient guaifenesin, is a popular over-the-counter medication used for chest congestion or phlegmy cough, often referred to as a productive cough. It is classified as an expectorant medication because it helps to break up and loosen phlegm (mucus in the lungs)—this thin mucus is easier to cough up. Mucinex can help with coughing due to illnesses such as the common cold or flu. In some cases, you may want to try a different medication. For example, you may find that the price of Mucinex is too high, or you may find that Mucinex does not work for your symptoms. Or, in some cases, side effects such as headache, nausea, or vomiting may occur. The good news is that there are plenty of other options available. 

What can I take in place of Mucinex?

There are many other options available that can help symptoms of a productive cough that do not improve with Mucinex extended-release tablets. Most options are over-the-counter, but several are prescription (such as benzonatate or certain drugs that contain antihistamines like Bromfed-DM or promethazine DM). There are single-ingredient medications, as well as medications that contain two or more ingredients to treat several symptoms at once.


The table below provides information about Mucinex, along with several common alternatives. You can always use a free SingleCare card or coupon to save up to 80% off the cost of your medications. If you use a SingleCare discount for an OTC medicine, you’ll also need a prescription from a healthcare provider for the pharmacy staff to process your discount. 

For the chart below, the following abbreviations apply:

Compare Mucinex (guaifenesin) alternatives
Drug name Uses Adult dosage Savings options
Mucinex (guaifenesin) Cough  600 mg: 1 or 2 tablet(s) by mouth every 12 hours as needed, with plenty of water Mucinex coupons
Guaifenesin tablets Cough 600 mg: 1 or 2 tablet(s) by mouth every 12 hours as needed, with plenty of water Guaifenesin coupons
Bromfed DM (brompheniramine/DM/PSE) Upper respiratory symptoms (cold symptoms) 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) by mouth every 4 hours as needed Bromfed DM coupons
Coricidin HBP Chest Congestion & Cough (DM/guaifenesin) Cough 1 or 2 capsule(s) by mouth every 4 hours as needed, with plenty of water Coricidin HBP Chest Congestion & Cough coupons
DayQuil Cough DM + Congestion (PE/DM/guaifenesin) Cough, nasal congestion 30 mL by mouth every 4 hours as needed, with plenty of water DayQuil Cough DM + Congestion coupons
Delsym (DM) Cough 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) by mouth every 12 hours as needed Delsym coupons
Diabetic Tussin Chest Congestion (guaifenesin) Cough 10 to 20 mL by mouth every 4 hours as needed, with plenty of water Diabetic Tussin Chest Congestion coupons
Mucinex DM (guaifenesin 600 mg/DM 30 mg) Cough 1 or 2 tablet(s) by mouth every 12 hours as needed, with plenty of water Mucinex DM coupons
Mucinex Fast-Max Chest Congestion (guaifenesin) Cough 20 mL by mouth every 4 hours as needed, with plenty of water Mucinex Fast-Max Chest Congestion coupons
Mucinex-D (guaifenesin 600 mg/PSE 60 mg) Cough, nasal congestion 2 tablets by mouth every 12 hours as needed, with plenty of water Mucinex-D coupons
Promethazine DM Upper respiratory symptoms (cold symptoms) 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed Promethazine DM coupons
Robitussin Cough + Chest Congestion DM (guaifenesin/DM) Cough 20 mL by mouth every 4 hours as needed, with plenty of water Robitussin Cough + Chest Congestion DM coupons
Tessalon (benzonatate) Cough 100 or 200 mg capsule by mouth 3 times daily as needed Tessalon coupons
Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe (acetaminophen/guaifenesin/DM/PE) Pain, fever, cough, nasal congestion 2 tablets by mouth every 4 hours as needed, with plenty of water Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe coupons

Other alternatives to Mucinex

There are dozens of alternatives to Mucinex (too many to list!) in the cough and cold aisle.

The best choice will depend on your symptoms and individual factors like the medical conditions you have and other medications you take (due to the possibility of drug interactions). 

For example, people with high blood pressure may need to avoid pseudoephedrine. Or, people with diabetes may need a sugar-free cough syrup. Some people may prefer to use a single-ingredient product rather than a combo cough and cold medicine. Some people have other preferences, such as taking a liquid or pill, for example—or they may want something non-drowsy rather than something that causes drowsiness. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a personalized recommendation. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult your healthcare provider.

Top 5 Mucinex alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Mucinex. Always double-check the label to make sure the medication is safe for the patient’s age, and ask your pharmacist for help if you have any questions or are unsure of which medication to purchase—or what dosage to use.  

1. Guaifenesin tablets

Brand names are more expensive than generics. Mucinex contains guaifenesin, an expectorant, which helps with chest congestion/productive cough. If Mucinex is working well for you, and you are looking for a Mucinex alternative at a lower price, you can purchase guaifenesin tablets. These generic tablets can usually be found right next to the Mucinex tablets. You can also find guaifenesin in a liquid form. Always take guaifenesin with lots of water, which helps the medication work better. 

2. Mucinex DM (or generic)

Mucinex DM is a cough medicine that contains guaifenesin, like Mucinex. It also contains dextromethorphan, which is known as an antitussive drug, or cough suppressant. You may want to try this product if you need to calm your cough in addition to thinning out phlegm. For cost savings, you can purchase the generic version of Mucinex DM. 

3. Diabetic Tussin Chest Congestion

contains the ingredient guaifenesin, in the form of a liquid, to help with chest congestion. For those who need to avoid excess sugar or alcohol, this OTC medicine does not contain sugar or alcohol. It’s also free of sodium, sorbitol, fructose, gluten, and dyes. This line of products also offers other cough and cold products free of sugar, alcohol, sodium, sorbitol, fructose, gluten, and dyes.

4. Tessalon (benzonatate)

Tessalon (benzonatate) is a prescription cough suppressant. It does not contain guaifenesin, so this medication would not be a good choice if you have a productive cough. However, this may be a good option if you have a dry, hacking cough. It works by reducing the cough reflex. It’s important to take this medication as directed. Swallow the benzonatate capsule whole. Do not chew, break, crush, or swallow the capsule—doing so could numb the mouth and throat and cause choking.  

5. Coricidin HBP Chest Congestion & Cough

This OTC medicine contains guaifenesin and dextromethorphan in pill form. It’s marketed as safe for people with high blood pressure—although other medications that contain these two drugs are also safe for those with high blood pressure. Some people like this line of products because they feel comfortable knowing it is safe for high blood pressure. 

Natural alternatives to Mucinex

In addition to Mucinex or any alternative, other home remedies you can try to help your cough include:

  • Increase vitamin C intake through supplements and/or foods such as oranges, grapefruits, bell peppers, and strawberries.
  • Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and soothe your throat. Warm liquids like soup and tea may help, as can cold foods like ice cream and popsicles.
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier in your room. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and cleaning.
  • Get plenty of rest so your body can recover.
  • Sleep in an elevated position to help keep mucus from dripping down your throat. 
  • Suck on lozenges. 
  • For adults and pediatric patients one year and older, try swallowing one-half to one teaspoonful of honey.
  • If you have sinus congestion, you can try a saline nasal rinse. 
  • Take an OTC pain reliever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) if your cough is accompanied by a sore throat. Make sure any other medications you take do not contain acetaminophen, though. 

How to switch to a Mucinex alternative

If you are interested in switching to a Mucinex alternative, asking a healthcare provider or pharmacist can be helpful. The over-the-counter cough and cold medication aisle contains hundreds of medications, many of which look very similar. A healthcare provider or pharmacist can help you select the best option based on your symptoms and other factors, such as medical conditions or other medications you take. 

If an OTC cough medication is not working for you, or your symptoms worsen or do not improve in a few days (or if you have any concerning symptoms like a high fever or severe pain), you should consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. You may need a stronger cough medication that is available by prescription—or even an antibiotic if you have a bacterial infection.  

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