Monet asked
How long does Mucinex last?
Answer
There are a variety of Mucinex (guaifenesin) products on the market and how long each medications lasts depends on which product you are using.
Below, we discuss how long each Mucinex product lasts.
How Long Mucinex (Guaifenesin) Lasts
Brand name Mucinex products are available only as ER (extended release) formulations. Brand name Mucinex products will last about 12 hours per dose. In fact, the brand name tablets contain a 'bilayer delivery system'. The first layer delivers a dose of the drug immediately after administration while the second layer releases over a time period of 12 hours. This allows the product to be both quick acting and long lasting. As Mucinex lasts 12 hours per dose, it is indicated for twice daily dosing.
Brand Mucinex is available in two strengths, regular and 'Maximum Strength'. The regular strength tablets contain 600 mg of guaifenesin while the maximum strength contains 1,200 mg of guaifenesin. Although they vary considerably in strength, both products last 12 hours.
How Long Mucinex DM (Guaifenesin/Dextromethorphan) Lasts
Mucinex DM contains guaifenesin, just like regular Mucinex but also has the added ingredient of dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant. Also like regular Mucinex, the DM version has a regular and maximum strength version.
- Mucinex DM contains 600 mg of guaifenesin and 30 mg of dextromethorphan.
- Mucinex DM maximum strength contains 1,200 mg guaifenesin and 60 mg of dextromethorphan.
Both versions of Mucinex DM last 12 hours per dose.
How Long Generic Guaifenesin Lasts
Generic Mucinex products (guaifenesin) are available in both immediate release and extended release versions. The immediate release versions will last 4 to 6 hours per dose while the extended release versions last 12 hours per dose.
