Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 23, 2023.
Can Mucinex products be used to treat symptoms of COVID-19?
Currently there are no medicines specifically indicated or approved for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Where appropriate, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do advise appropriate use of over-the-counter medicines to alleviate mild symptoms of COVID-19. These may include cough, fever, headache, runny nose, congestion and sore throat. While Mucinex products are indicated for relief of the aforementioned symptoms, Mucinex products are not specifically indicated for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. COVID-19 is caused by a specific coronavirus, belonging to a group of viruses which can also result in less serious cold and flu-like illnesses. Because of this, some of the milder symptoms may be common to both COVID-19 and cold or flu and may be similarly relieved by over-the-counter cold and flu remedies such as Mucinex. The Mucinex family of products contain several active ingredients which are commonly used to treat symptoms of respiratory viral infections. Mucinex products should always be used only as directed. If you have questions or concerns about your symptoms or COVID-19, please discuss with your healthcare professional. You can also visit the CDC website for helpful information by visiting the link https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
The Mucinex product range may include the below active ingredients: Guaifenesin: Helps loosen mucus and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive. Guaifenesin is indicated for the relief of chest congestions as associated with the common cold Acetaminophen: Indicated for the temporary reduction of fever and temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with the common cold and flu Dextromethorphan: Indicated to quiet cough due to the common cold or inhaled irritants Pseudoephedrine/phenylephrine Hydrochloride: Indicated for the temporary relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold or other upper respiratory allergies. Triprolidine/Diphenhydramine /Doxylamine: Indicated for the temporary relief of runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy watery eyes due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies
How do I Treat Nasal Congestion with COVID-19?
Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on March 23, 2023.
Melody L. Berg
PharmD, BCPS, MPH
Feeling sniffly and congested are commonly associated with COVID-19, especially the Omicron variant. A runny nose is a sign that your immune system is working to fight off the virus by trapping it in mucus so it can exit your body. This can lead to a cough caused by excess mucus running down the back of your throat. At this time, there are no medications that cure the COVID-19 infection. However, there are things you can do to feel better.
To treat nasal congestion caused by COVID-19 at home, focus on:
- Get plenty of rest to help your body get the energy it needs to fight the infection.
- Drink lots of fluids to help keep your mucus thin so it can be cleared more easily from your lungs and sinuses.
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) decongestants
- If you are feeling congested and have COVID-19, you can take OTC cough and cold medications to treat your nasal congestion and stuffy nose.
- Decongestants with or without antihistamines are effective in helping reduce nasal congestion and are available primarily as combination products.
- Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), which can only be purchased behind the counter in the pharmacy, and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), decrease the fluid in the nasal passages and allow for easier breathing.
- Take OTC antihistamines
- Antihistamines dry up mucous membranes of the nose and other areas such as mouth and eyes.
- Nasal decongestant sprays, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin, Vick’s Sinex) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine), can also be helpful.
A pharmacist’s tips
Check with your pharmacist to get specific guidance about using decongestants or antihistamines. Women who are pregnant should talk to their healthcare provider before using a decongestant or antihistamine.
- Decongestants interact with many medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma, and interacts with many medications.
- Antihistamines interact with many medical conditions and medications, as well.
- Antihistamines cause sleepiness, confusion, and other problems in the older patients.
- It is important to carefully read the drug facts label for each medication, including OTC medications, to identify the ingredients in the product. This is especially important when purchasing combination cough and cold medications to avoid accidentally taking too much of a medication. Talk to your pharmacist or another healthcare provider if you have any questions about your medications.
- If you or a loved one is experiencing trouble breathing, pressure in your chest, or new confusion, call 911 for immediate medical attention.
Related medical questions
- Can you have Covid without a fever?
- What temperature is considered a fever?
- Which breathing techniques help with COVID-19?
- Is Omicron worse than Delta?
- How effective is Lagevrio (molnupiravir) for COVID-19?
- Can you become immune to COVID-19?
- Is obesity a major risk factor for Covid-19?
- COVID-19 vaccines and variants: What you should know
- COVID-19: Why is social distancing so important?
- Should I wear a face mask to protect myself from COVID-19?
- Why do more men die from coronavirus?
Related support groups
- COVID-19 (97 questions, 70 members)
- Cough (148 questions, 430 members)
- Cold Symptoms (37 questions, 42 members)
- Nasal Congestion (31 questions, 56 members)
- Influenza (99 questions, 98 members)
AHFS® Patient Medication Information is used with permission. ©2023, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (ASHP). The ASHP Data is a part of the AHFS Drug Information®️; ASHP is not responsible for the accuracy of transpositions from the original context.
About Us
Family Medicine
In 2024 our team of doctors and nurses provide a comprehensive range of family planning services. Our doctors have expertise in antenatal care, preconception planning, and STD checks. Contraceptive advice including Mirena and Implanon insertion is available.
- Early detection of illness;
- Family planning;
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle;
- Skin cancer checks;
- Sports injuries;
- Weight reduction;
- Workers compensation and third party.
Children's Health
Baby Weighing Service. Babies can be booked with our Nurse for weighing, a doctors appointment is not required to use this service. Contact reception for a appointment to have your baby weighed.
Immunisations. At Tuggeranong Square children's immunisation is regarded an important part of your childs health care. Our doctors take immunising children very seriously. and to ensure all children are immunised Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice doctors BULK BILL for all childhood immunisations. Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice also ensures the Practice Nursing Staff are highly trained in childhood immunisations.
Women's Health
Our practice is dedicated to treating a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns. We offer pre-natal, antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive options, pap screening, and preventative health care advice. We provide assistance, advice and support through all stages of life, recognising the many issues many women may face from adolescence through to the peri and post-menopausal period.
- Cervical Screening tests;
- Reproductive health. Including Mirena and Implanon insertion;
- Shared antenatal care.
Men's Health
We encourage men to present routinely to their GP to discuss all aspects of their health. We provide comprehensive advice and support for men to address the prevention and management of various health conditions. This may include assessments for cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health assessments, STD screening, sports injuries and the importance of sleep as it relates to other areas of health.
- Preventative Healthcare. Including cardiovascular screening, mental health and cancer checks;
- Prostate examination.
