Mucinex and Benadryl are both popular over-the-counter medications used to treat the symptoms of allergies. While they are similar in that they each offer relief from sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and general congestion, they have some key differences.
Read on to learn more about these two medicines and when to take them for optimal results.
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Mucinex
Mucinex is one of the most popular over-the-counter medications for treating allergies. It is a combination allergy medicine that contains both an antihistamine and a decongestant.
The active ingredients in Mucinex are guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine, which help relieve symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and coughing.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that thins the mucus in your lungs, making it easier to cough up, so you can breathe easier. Pseudoephedrine is a type of decongestant that shrinks swollen blood vessels and increases blood flow to the sinuses, helping to relieve pressure and clear up congestion.
Like other allergy medicines, Mucinex comes in several forms: tablets, capsules, syrup, and a liquid.
The recommended daily dosage of Mucinex varies depending on which type of medication you choose: 10-12 mg guaifenesin per tablet/capsule, 15-20 mg guaifenesin per teaspoon of syrup, and 5 mg per tablespoon of liquid.
Benadryl
Benadryl is an antihistamine that is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies and other types of allergies. Benadryl works by blocking certain natural substances produced by the body that can cause allergy symptoms, such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and trouble sleeping. Benadryl can also be used for other medical conditions such as motion sickness, sleep disorders, and certain types of headaches.
Benadryl comes in many forms, including liquid, chewable tablets, gels, creams, and lozenges. The recommended dosage of Benadryl varies based on the form you choose. For adults, the recommended daily dosage of Benadryl is 25 mg every four to six hours.
However, the dosage may be different for children depending on their age. It is important to always follow your doctor’s instructions on how to properly take Benadryl.
Difference Between Mucinex and Benadryl
While both Mucinex and Benadryl are used to treat allergies, they work in different ways. Mucinex is a combination allergy medicine that contains both an antihistamine and a decongestant.
Benadryl is an antihistamine that blocks the body’s natural substances that cause allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, and sneezing.
Mucinex works by opening inflamed nasal passages and relieving sinus pressure, while Benadryl works by blocking the natural substances that cause allergy symptoms. Both Mucinex and Benadryl are generally safe to take together, but you should always consult your doctor first.
Depending on the condition being treated, your doctor may prescribe an alternative treatment to Mucinex or Benadryl.
When to Take Mucinex
Mucinex is a go-to remedy for many seasonal allergies. It’s also commonly used to treat colds and sore throats. You can use Mucinex as a preventive measure for seasonal allergies, or you can also use it to relieve symptoms that have already started.
- To prevent seasonal allergies, take 2-3 mg of the guaifenesin component of Mucinex per day from mid-April through mid-September. You can also take a 5 mg dose of pseudoephedrine for one week before allergy season begins.
- If your allergies are causing a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and/or cough, take the recommended doses of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine in Mucinex to relieve symptoms.
- If you’ve been diagnosed with a sinus infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. In this case, you should take Mucinex while taking antibiotics to relieve sinus pressure and help thin out the mucus in your nose.
When to Take Benadryl
Benadryl is commonly used to treat seasonal allergies and other types of allergies like insect bites and mild food allergies. Benadryl can also be used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and the flu.
- To prevent seasonal allergies, take 25 mg of Benadryl per day from mid-April through mid-September. You can also take 25 mg once a week for one week before allergy season begins.
- If your allergies are causing a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and/or cough, take the recommended doses of 25 mg of the antihistamine component of Benadryl to relieve symptoms.
- For the common cold and flu, take 25 mg of Benadryl every four to six hours as needed.
Where to Buy Mucinex
You can buy Mucinex over the counter at many grocery stores and pharmacies. You can also order Mucinex online from various retailers.
- You can buy Mucinex in tablet form from Amazon, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and other online retailers.
- You can also buy Mucinex in liquid form from Amazon, CVS, Walgreens, and other online retailers.
- You can also buy Mucinex in syrup form from Amazon and Walmart.
Where to Buy Benadryl
You can buy Benadryl over the counter at many grocery stores and pharmacies. You can also order Benadryl online from various retailers.
- You can buy Benadryl tablets in singles or in packs of 28 from Amazon, Walmart, and other online retailers.
- You can also buy Benadryl liquid gels, creams, and lozenges from Amazon and other online retailers.
Final words: Is it okay to take both?
Mucinex and Benadryl are both over-the-counter allergy medications that are commonly taken together. If you have seasonal allergies and cold or flu-like symptoms, you can take Mucinex and Benadryl together to relieve your symptoms.
While it generally safe to take Mucinex and Benadryl together, always follow the recommended dosage of each medication and seek medical advice before taking multiple medications.
If you have any questions about taking Mucinex and Benadryl, feel free to consult your doctor.
