Can you take Mucinex and Sudafed 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 Sudafed together?
Yes, you can take Mucinex and Sudafed together. There is no known interaction between these two and they can actually help reduce your nasal and chest congestion quite effectively when used in combination.
Mucinex contains Guaifenesin, which loosens the hard viscous phlegm blocking your chest and it also works as an expectorant (1). Sudafed, on the other hand, contains pseudoephedrine, which is best known to be an effective nasal decongestant (2).
The two of these active ingredients, Guaifenesin and Pseudoephedrine are combined in some of the Mucinex products like Mucinex-D 12 Hour and Mucinex-D 24 Hour. If you wish to take them together, you can just go for a single formulation like these.
Other similar formulations like Robitussin DM and Delsym can also be taken with Sudafed. You just have to check the list of ingredients to rule out any overlapping drugs. If there is one, avoid the use of such formulations together. If you are confused, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Potential risks of taking Mucinex and Sudafed together excessively
The excess use of Mucinex and Sudafed together is associated with some potential risks, including (1,2):
- Taking both medications together may lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as dizziness, headache, or dry mouth.
- There could be potential drug interactions or contraindications, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using them together, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
- Always follow the recommended dosages and usage instructions for each medication to avoid overdosing or harmful effects on your health.
Who should not take Mucinex and Sudafed together?
It’s essential to be cautious about taking Mucinex and Sudafed together, especially if you fall into any of the following categories:
Children
Both medications may not be suitable for children under certain ages, so always consult with a paediatrician before giving these medications to children.
Elderly individuals
Older adults may be more sensitive to certain side effects or drug interactions, so it’s essential for them to consult a healthcare professional before combining these medications.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should be cautious and seek medical advice before using these medications, as they can potentially affect the baby.
People with certain medical conditions
If you have specific health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or glaucoma, taking Mucinex and Sudafed together might not be safe. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure these medications are suitable for you.
Individuals on other medications
There might be potential drug interactions when taking these medications with other prescription or over-the-counter drugs. It’s essential to talk to a healthcare professional about any other medications you are taking.
As always, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before combining any medications, including Mucinex and Sudafed, to ensure your safety and well-being.
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References
1.-
LABEL: GUAIFENESIN tablet. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=78987a51-82f7-4ca6-80ad-fa22d1f3e11a&type=pdf
2.-
Głowacka K, Wiela-Hojeńska A. Pseudoephedrine-Benefits and Risks. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 13;22(10):5146. doi: 10.3390/ijms22105146. PMID: 34067981; PMCID: PMC8152226. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8152226/
