What is the difference between Mucinex, Mucinex-D, and Mucinex DM?
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
What is the difference between Mucinex, Mucinex-D, and Mucinex DM?
The difference between Mucinex, Mucinex-D, and Mucinex DM is that they contain some different active ingredients, except for Guaifenesin which is common in all of the Mucinex variants. Let’s break these down a little so that you can understand them better.
Mucinex
Mucinex, the simplest version of this medication contains only Guaifenesin as an active ingredient. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It removes the clogged mucus by making it thin (1).
This way, your airways clear up and your congestion is relieved. Mucinex is available in two strengths: 600 mg and 1200 mg.
Mucinex-D
Mucinex-D contains the active ingredient Guaifenesin, which is common in every Mucinex variant, as well as Pseudoephedrine. This is not as easily available as an OTC medication like Mucinex because of the presence of Pseudoephedrine (2).
It works as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces swelling and congestion in your sinuses. However, Mucinex-D should be used properly and should never be paired with another medication containing Pseudoephedrine or any other decongestant.
It is a good alternative for people who take original Mucinex with a separate formulation of a nasal decongestant, like Sudafed. Some people may combine Mucinex D with cough suppressants like Delsym, Robitussin, etc to manage multiple symptoms.
However, such combinations may not have added value and should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Mucinex DM
Mucinex DM contains Guaifenesin as well as Dextromethorphan. It is also available in two strengths: 600 and 1200 mg. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant and it is added to a lot of OTC cough syrups (3).
Mucinex DM is ideal for chest congestion with cough as Guaifenesin works to loosen the mucus that clogs your airways. It is an alcohol-free formulation.
Final words
Make sure you choose the right type of Mucinex for your symptoms. If you are confused about the active ingredients, talk to your doctor and pharmacist. It is also important to inform your provider about other medications you are taking to help prevent any possible drug interaction.
Make sure you do not exceed the recommended doses, no matter what formulation you are using. Always check for drug expiry before you take any medication, as expired meds may not help you with your symptoms adequately.
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References
1.-
National Library of Medicine (US). Guaifenesin. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2021 Mar 15 [updated 2021 Mar 15; cited 2022 Nov 19]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682494.html
2.-
National Library of Medicine (US). Dextromethorphan. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2021 Mar 15 [updated 2021 Mar 15; cited 2022 Nov 19]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682492.html
3.-
National Library of Medicine (US). Pseudoephedrine. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2021 Mar 15 [updated 2021 Mar 15; cited 2022 Nov 19]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682619.html
