Can you take Claritin and Mucinex together?

Should I take Claritin or Mucinex?

• I had a cold and I'm over it but I have a bad cough. The cough is being caused by itching in the back of my throat. I have a lot of mucus buildup in the morning but it doesn't feel like it's on my chest/lungs. Mainly just in the nose/back of the mouth area. I got both Claritin and Mucinex. I'm more inclined to take Claritin because I don't think I need an expectorant. Please help!!

• Answer:

  Claritin is an antihisamine. An antihistimine is best for when your nose is really runny (not just stuffy) or you have a lot of drainage running down the back of your throat. Mucinex, as you know, is an expectorant. It helps any mucus in your chest loosen up so it comes out easier when you cough. It sounds like the Claritin may help you more than the Mucinex. The itchy throat may be caused by drainage from your sinuses, which the Claritin can help dry up. Of course if you decide to take the Mucinex as well, remember to drink a full glass of water with it - otherwise it doesn't work very well. :) Finally, once you get the drainage taken care of, your throat may get a little scratchy from all that gunk that was in it. Cough drops or lozenges will help that. Hope this helps, and feel better soon. :)