10 Best Best Over The Counter Expectorant of 2025

Tested and Reviewed: Top 10 Best Over The Counter Expectorant deals with expert ratings from 8.1 to a perfect 10

September 2025 Edition

Editor's Choice

9.7

WELMATE

WELMATE - Mucus Relief - Guaifenesin 1200 mg Maximum Strength - Extended-Release Expectorant Tablets - Helps Clear Chest Congestion & Loosen Mucus - 12 Hour Relief - 100 Count

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Editor's bottom line:

“This best over the counter expectorant is the best one we tested. In terms of quality, brand and price, we couldn't ask for more.”

Main Highlights

Active Ingredient: Guaifenesin 1200mg is an expectorant that helps reduce chest congestion caused by colds, infections or irritants. Compare to the active ingredient in Muci-nex.
Immediate & Extended Relief: Our mucus relief tablet has a unique bi-layer that offers immediate relief via the first layer, and the second layers continues working for up to 12 hours.
Relieves Chest Congestion: Thins and loosens mucus to alleviate chest congestion caused by excess phlegm making your cough more productive.
Breathe easier by taking Guaifenesin 1200mg at the first sign of symptoms. It works by thinning the mucus in the air passages to make it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways.
Proudly Made: Safe for adults and children 12 years of age and older. Take 1 tablet with a full glass of water every 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 tablets over a 24 hour period.

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Picked by 309 people today

9.5

Save 12%

Mucinex

Mucinex Chest Congestion Maximum Strength 12 Hour Extended Release Tablets Relieves Chest Congestion Caused by Excess Mucus(#1 Doctor Recommended OTC expectorant), 1200mg, 42 Count (Pack of 1)

12% OffFree Shipping

Main Highlights

MUCINEX MAXIMUM STRENGTH 12 HOUR EXTENDED-RELEASE BI-LAYER TABLETS: Clinically proven to last up to 12 hours; it provides powerful relief for your toughest chest congestion
SYMPTOMS TREATED: Relieves chest congestion caused by excess mucus by making your cough more productive
ONE EASY PILL: A unique bi-layer tablet, one layer for immediate release, the other layer for extended release so the medicine starts to release right away and lasts for up to 12 hours
INGREDIENTS: Guaifenesin (1200 mg) is an expectorant that helps reduce chest congestion caused by colds, infections or irritants
CONTINUOUS RELIEF: Maximum strength Mucinex lasts up to 12 hours so you can say goodbye to retaking medicine every 4 hours
TRUST MUCINEX: Mucinex is the No.1 doctor recommended OTC expectorant and the No.1 Cold & Cough Brand Doctors Trust for Themselves & Their Families
STOCK UP AND SAVE: Did you know, if you use Mucinex 12 Hour often you can save when you buy higher count packs

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9.5

Vicks

Vicks Formula 44 DM Cough & Congestion Liquid, Over-The-Counter Medicine, Day or Night, Cough Syrup, Powerful Cough and Congestion Relief, Cough Suppressant and Expectorant, Berry Flavor, 2x12 FL OZ

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Main Highlights

TRUSTED COUGH RELIEF FROM VICKS. From the world's #1 selling OTC cough and cold medicine brand, Vicks Formula 44 DM has provided trusted cough relief since 1959.
POWERFUL COUGH & CHEST CONGESTION RELIEF. Formula 44 DM Cough & Congestion cough syrup contains two powerful medicine for cough and chest congestion relief.
ATTACKS COUGH AT THE SOURCE. Formula 44 DM Cough & Congestion liquid medicine is strong for cough, and congestion relief, day or night.
FEEL BETTER FAST. Life doesn't stop when you have a cough. Formula 44 DM Cough & Congestion liquid medicine starts working fast to relieve your cough and chest congestion.
GREAT TASTING BERRY FLAVOR. Formula 44 DM Cough & Congestion liquid is made with a delicious, soothing berry flavor liquid with coating action.

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9.2

Mucinex

Mucinex Rapid+Clear Maximum Strength Day & Night Cold and Flu Medicine for Adults (20 caplets) + Sinus Pressure Relief Nasal Spray (0.75 oz), Over-The-Counter Medication Combo Pack for Symptom Relief

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Main Highlights

NASAL SPRAY DECONGESTANT: Mucinex Sinus Max Clear & Cool Severe Nasal Congestion Relief spray provides fast-acting sinus pressure relief & lasts 12 hours, helping you breathe freely again
COLD MEDICINE CAPLETS: Mucinex Rapid+Clear Pain, Headache, & Mucus Congestion Daytime caplets provide relief from cold and flu symptoms including fever, body pain, sore throat, headache, and chest congestion
PAIN RELIEF: Acetaminophen helps reduce fever and helps relieve body aches and headache associated with cold and flu
EXCESS MUCUS RELIEF: Contains Guaifenesin, an expectorant that aids in thinning and loosening mucus for more productive coughs and chest congestion relief (daytime caplets only)
NIGHTTIME CAPLETS: Helps relieve nighttime cold and flu symptoms including fever, body pain, cough, itchy throat, runny nose & sneezing
COUGH MEDICINE FOR ADULTS: Dextromethorphan HBr helps suppress the urge to cough to help you get to sleep (nighttime caplets only)
RUNNY NOSE RELIEF: Triprolidine HCl helps relieve runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, & itchy/watery eyes (nighttime caplets only)
COLD AND FLU VALUE PACK: Fight your worst cold and flu symptoms with this unstoppable trio of cold and flu caplets and nasal decongestant spray; Use as directed

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9.0

Save 22%

Mucinex

Mucinex Fast-Max Severe Congestion & Cough Medicine, Maximum Strength Symptom Relief, Over-The-Counter Medication, Cold Medicine, Cough Suppressant, Expectorant, Nasal Decongestant, FSA/HSA, 6 FL OZ

22% OffFree Shipping

Main Highlights

Thins and loosens mucus and chest congestion.
It is suitable for ages 12 years and older.
Choose from the Murine line of products to treat your symptoms

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8.8

Save 6%

Mucinex

Mucinex Chest Congestion, Expectorant 12 Hour Extended Release Tablets, 20ct, 600mg Guaifenesin with Extended Relief of Chest Congestion Caused by Excess Mucus. Thins and Loosens Mucus

6% OffFree Shipping

Main Highlights

EXCESS MUCUS RELIEF: Mucinex 12hr extended-release tablets pack a powerful punch with 600 mg guaifenesin expectorant, providing you with long-lasting chest congestion relief
AIDS EXCESS MUCUS REMOVAL: Mucinex SE lasts up to 12 hours, provides chest congestion relief and makes coughs more productive
EXPECTORANTS FOR ADULTS: Mucinex helps clear lungs by thinning & loosening mucus; Say goodbye to excess mucus, say hello to chest congestion relief
EXTENDED RELEASE GUAIFENESIN: Experience long-lasting excess mucus relief with Mucinex's 12hr extended-release 600mg guaifenesin tablets; our original bi-layer tablets have both immediate & extended release
TRUSTED BRAND: Mucinex is the #1 Cough & Cold Brand Doctor's Trust* and is also the #1 Pharmacist Recommended OTC Expectorant**; Get the brand that doctors trust and recommend
COLD AND FLU MEDICINE FOR ADULTS: For powerful cough, cold, and flu multi-symptom relief, check out our range of Mucinex Fast-Max cold and flu medicines; Beat cold and flu symptoms with confidence
FSA & HSA Eligible: Save Up to 30% - Cover out-of-pocket expenses with pre-tax dollars (Product eligibility may vary by plan; Check with your benefits administrator to determine which expenses are eligible before you shop)
QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST: Mucinex uses carbomer that is manufactured without the use of benzene
*IQVIA using ProVoice Survey, August 2023; **U.S. News & World Report/Pharmacy Times 2023-2024

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8.6

Save 31%

HealthCareAisle

HealthCareAisle Guaifenesin 1200 mg Extended Release - 42 Tablets - Mucus Relief Expectorant for Chest Congestion Relief

31% OffFree Shipping

Main Highlights

Effective congestion relief for up to 12 hours: Guaifenesin is a bi-layered tablet with immediate and extended-release, providing congestion relief for up to 12 hours
Stop congestion at the source: Guaifenesin works by thinning mucus in the lungs, loosening it to ease expectoration and make your coughs more productive
Comparable to the national brand: Has the same active ingredient as Maximum Strength Mucinex Extended-Release Tablets
12-hour chest congestion relief: Take 1 extended-release tablets every 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 extended-release tablets in 24 hours
Ask your doctor before use if you have a cough accompanied by too much mucus, or a persistent cough such as occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema

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8.3

Mucinex

Mucinex DM Max Liquid Cough & Cold Medicine for Adults, Cold and Flu Medicine for Excess Mucus Relief, Guaifenesin & Dextromethorphan Expectorant & Decongestant for Adults, Dr Recommended, 6.0 Fl Oz

Free Shipping

Main Highlights

Thins and loosens mucus and chest congestion.
Unique Bi-Layer Tablet
Choose from the Murine line of products to treat your symptoms

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Best Value

8.1

Save 38%

NUVICARE

NUVICARE Expectorant Mucus Relief 400mg - Guaifenesin 400mg Tablets - Fast Chest Congestion Relief for Adults - Compare to Mucinex Tablets - Generic Mucus Clear for Phlegm and Congestion (100 Count)

38% OffFree Shipping

Main Highlights

GENERIC: COMPARE TO MUCINEX - Counteract chest congestion with Nuvicare phlegm and mucus relief tablets. Easy-to-swallow tablets provide powerful support to clear your airways and let you breathe better. Compare to the active ingredient in popular OTC brands.
GUAIFENESIN 400 MG TABLETS - 400mg of mucus expectorant guaifenesin in tablets. Guaifenesin is known for its ability to thin and loosen mucus to support chest mucus relief. Guaifenesin is widely used in over-the-counter medications for symptoms of respiratory conditions.
RELIEVES MUCUS CONGESTION - Our generic formula is designed to break up mucus in the chest, clear mucus from the lungs, clear mucus in the throat, and support easier mucus removal. Feel better and get back to normal faster with Nuvicare mucus relief pills.
FAST ACTING FORMULA - Our fast-acting decongestant tablets quickly to address chest congestion. Feel the benefits soon after taking the tablet, so you can get back to your day-to-day activities without the discomfort of blocked airways and heavy breathing.
QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST - Nuvicare Mucus Relief tablets are produced in a facility that meets stringent quality and safety standards. Trust Nuvicare for reliable and effective OTC solutions at generic value, and receive only the highest quality products for your health needs.

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Our Best Overall Choice

Best Choice

9.7

WELMATE

WELMATE - Mucus Relief - Guaifenesin 1200 mg Maximum Strength - Extended-Release Expectorant Tablets - Helps Clear Chest Congestion & Loosen Mucus - 12 Hour Relief - 100 Count

Free Shipping

Editor's bottom line:

“This is the best one we tested. In terms of quality, brand and price, we couldn't ask for more.”

Main Highlights

Active Ingredient: Guaifenesin 1200mg is an expectorant that helps reduce chest congestion caused by colds, infections or irritants. Compare to the active ingredient in Muci-nex.
Immediate & Extended Relief: Our mucus relief tablet has a unique bi-layer that offers immediate relief via the first layer, and the second layers continues working for up to 12 hours.
Relieves Chest Congestion: Thins and loosens mucus to alleviate chest congestion caused by excess phlegm making your cough more productive.
Breathe easier by taking Guaifenesin 1200mg at the first sign of symptoms. It works by thinning the mucus in the air passages to make it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways.
Proudly Made: Safe for adults and children 12 years of age and older. Take 1 tablet with a full glass of water every 12 hours. Do not exceed 2 tablets over a 24 hour period.

Show Price

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