Can you take Mucinex and Robitussin together?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you take Mucinex and Robitussin together?
Yes, you can take Mucinex and Robitussin together, but only the original versions. Both Mucinex and Robitussin are available in different varieties which contain different active ingredients.
If we talk about the original versions, they can be used together. Original Mucinex contains Guaifenesin, which is an expectorant. However, Mucinex is available in different formulations which are different from one another.
Robitussin, on the other hand, contains Dextromethorphan which is an antitussive agent (cough suppressant). If we specifically talk about Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan, there is no interaction between these two drugs (1,2).
However, as I stated earlier, there are several other variants of Mucinex and Robitussin that may not be safe to be used together. Let’s stick to the Mucinex original and discuss which Robitussin is safe to be used with it and which one should be avoided.
| Robitussin | Safe to use with Mucinex or not |
| Robitussin Maximum Strength Nighttime Cough DM | Safe |
| Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough + Chest Congestion DM Ingredients | Unsafe |
| Robitussin 12-Hour Cough Relief | Safe |
| Robitussin Multi-Symptom Cold CF | Unsafe |
| Robitussin Cough + Chest Congestion DM | Unsafe |
| Robitussin Maximum Strength Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold + Flu | Unsafe |
It is important to note that Mucinex can also be taken with cough syrups made up of natural ingredients, like Zarbee’s cough syrup. Some people may consider it a safer option, especially for children.
Pharmacist’s Advice
It’s best to stick with the original versions of Mucinex and Robitussin if you’re combining these two together. However, the vast variety of these meds can create confusion and you should properly read the list of ingredients before you combine them together.
There are some products which contain both Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan, the two active ingredients of Mucinex and Robitussin respectively. You can simply opt for them instead of taking the two meds separately. Some examples are
- Mucinex DM
- Robitussin Maximum Strength Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold + Flu
- Robitussin Multi-Symptom Cold CF
If you prefer taking them separately, it’s best to stick to the original versions. If, for some reason, the original versions are not available at your local pharmacy, ask the designated pharmacist for an alternative.
It’s good to rely on your healthcare professionals, I would still suggest learning a little something about the meds you frequently use, like OTC cold and flu meds.
You can simply read the labels yourself and determine if the formulation is an original version or not. You can also try and match ingredients to check if the two are safe to use together.
Remember, if the two formulations have one or more similar ingredients, it is not considered safe to use them together.
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References
1.-
MedlinePlus. Guaifenesin. MedlinePlus drug information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2022 Feb 15; cited 2022 Dec 05]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682494.html
2.-
MedlinePlus. Dextromethorphan. MedlinePlus drug information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2022 Feb 15; cited 2022 Dec 05]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682492.html
