Mucinex is a medication that helps to relieve chest congestion caused by the common cold, flu, or chronic bronchitis. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier. Mucinex contains the drug guaifenesin, which is an expectorant that helps to increase the volume and reduce the viscosity of respiratory tract secretions. This makes it easier for mucus trapped in the airways to be coughed out. Mucinex may also be used off-label to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating respiratory infections.
In summary, Mucinex helps to relieve chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. It is an expectorant that increases the volume and reduces the viscosity of respiratory tract secretions. Mucinex should not be used with other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients, and it is important to ask a doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms.