Mucinex is an over-the-counter medication to treat colds and coughs. If you are taking Mucinex while pregnant, you need to be cautious. Varying in composition and strength, the range of medicines includes tablets, capsules, and syrups. Contracting a common cold and cough during pregnancy can keep you ill for longer or make you feel more tired than you normally feel (1). Therefore, you should consult your healthcare practitioner before taking over-the-counter medicines, including Mucinex. Read on to understand whether it is safe for pregnant women to take Mucinex, the different Mucinex products’ composition, risks, and side effects.
What Is Mucinex?
Mucinex is a brand with most products containing the generic drug Guaifenesin alone or combined with Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, and Acetaminophen. A few products may contain other drugs such as Diphenhydramine, Triprolidine, Oxymetazoline, or Doxylamine (2). Mucinex is used to relieve cold and flu symptoms such as cough and congestion in the chest or airways. The following table summarizes the composition of some notable Mucinex products (3). Mucinex products may be available in liquid form and in double strength as well. Make sure to check the product label for a complete list of ingredients and their strengths.
Is Mucinex Safe During Pregnancy?
It is important to understand the safety of individual active ingredients of Mucinex to ascertain its safety in pregnancy (4).
1. Guaifenesin
It is an expectorant drug that works by thinning the mucus in the airways to relieve chest congestion. It makes coughing up the phlegm (mucus) easier. You should seek medical advice before using the drug if you have conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis (5). The medicine’s safety is not entirely established since it is not known if the drug crosses the placenta. Some studies note a weak association between maternal Guaifenesin use and neural tube defects (birth defects of the brain or spinal cord) and inguinal hernias in newborns. The FDA categorizes the drug in pregnancy category C, which means either the drug has demonstrated adverse effects in animal studies with no studies among women or there are no studies in animals and women. The drug should only be had after doctor consultation and may be preferred if the benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. Guaifenesin should ideally be avoided in the first trimester.
2. Dextromethorphan
The antitussive or cough suppressant medication works by reducing the activity of the part of the brain associated with coughing action (6). It is a pregnancy category C drug, but human studies have not shown any risk of major malformations during pregnancy.
3. Phenylephrine
It decreases the swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages. It provides symptomatic relief from nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by colds, allergies, hay fever, and sinus pressure (7). This pregnancy category C drug crosses the placenta. Some studies support the association between the use of phenylephrine in the first trimester and endocardial cushion defect (congenital malformation where the walls separating all four chambers of the heart are poorly formed) (8). The drug should be had only after doctor consultation and preferably should be avoided in the first trimester.
4. Acetaminophen
It is a commonly used drug during pregnancy, with 65% of pregnant women using it at some point in pregnancy (4). Acetaminophen crosses the placenta but is not associated with any significant increase in the risk of fetal problems. Some studies associate prenatal and infant exposures to acetaminophen with mid-childhood executive function and behavioral problems, but it needs further research (9). The FDA categorizes the drug as pregnancy category B, which means that animal studies have not demonstrated any risks with no studies among women or animal studies have shown some risks, but it was not confirmed to occur in women. The majority of the Mucinex products have ingredients whose safety is not established. Hence, it is advisable to avoid Mucinex at least during the first trimester of pregnancy. You should ideally consult your doctor if you wish to use the drug any time during pregnancy.
How Much Mucinex Is Safe During Pregnancy?
Mucinex dosage varies according to its product variant. Two tablets/capsules/caplets or 20ml of liquid every four hours in 24 hours is the general maximum dosing instruction as per the manufacturer. You should talk to your healthcare provider to know the suitable dosage for you during pregnancy. The following table summarizes the maximum permissible dosage of individual drugs for pregnant women. You may use this table only for reference and not self-medication (10).
When Can You Resume Taking Mucinex?
You may take Mucinex products for a chesty or phlegmy cough during the second and third trimester of pregnancy under medical supervision. However, Guaifenesin-only products seem safer than those with multiple active ingredients later in pregnancy and during breastfeeding (11) (12).
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Mucinex?
Common side effects of Mucinex include (13):
Dizziness Drowsiness Sleep problems Nausea Diarrhea Restlessness or irritability
Some serious side effects that need medical attention are:
Allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat Mood changes Severe headache Anxiety or a feeling that you might faint
What Are The Pregnancy-Safe Remedies For Cough And Cold?
Non-medication alternatives are often recommended during pregnancy to avoid any fetal risks. You may manage your cough and cold symptoms through the following non-medical interventions (1) (12).
Getting ample rest: Take rest often and ensure you get a good night’s sleep. Drinking plenty of fluids: Take water, juice, broth, or soup to keep yourself hydrated. Eating well: Nutritious food may accelerate the healing process and improve your immunity. Taking steps for congestion relief: Use a cool-mist humidifier in your room and use pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping. Alleviating sore throat: Drinking warm tea, honey with lemon, and gargling with warm salt water may help soothe a sore throat. Take vitamins to boost your immunity: Consult a doctor and have vitamin C (1g in the morning and 1g during lunch) for the duration of the flu. You may also take vitamin D 100,000 units if not already taken during the pregnancy.
