The best cough medicine for fast relief

In this article:

• Best cough medicine comparison
• Types of cough medicine explained
• Best cough medicine for adults
• Best cough medicine for kids
• Natural cough remedies
• Considerations for special groups
• When to see a doctor for your cough

In this article

• Best cough medicine comparison
• Types of cough medicine explained
• Best cough medicine for adults
• Best cough medicine for kids
• Natural cough remedies
• Considerations for special groups
• When to see a doctor for your cough

Finding the best cough medicine among the choices available at the pharmacy can be confusing. It’s common to experience a persistent cough for various reasons, including a cold, allergies, or even acid reflux. Although there’s no single “best” cough medicine for everyone, recognizing what type of cough is occurring can help narrow down the options.

Whether it’s a cough that’s dry, wet, or just irritating, there are several types of cough medicines, both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. Some treat dry coughs, others help clear mucus, and a few work better for nighttime use. It’s best to read the product label and talk to a pharmacist when choosing one, but the comparison below can help you get started.

Best cough medicine comparison
Brand name	Type	Best for	Key ingredients	Savings options
Delsym	OTC cough suppressant	Dry cough	Dextromethorphan	Get coupon
Mucinex	OTC expectorant	Wet cough, chest congestion	Guaifenesin	Get coupon
Robitussin DM	OTC combination medication	Wet cough, chest congestion	Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin	Get coupon
Tessalon Perles	Prescription cough suppressant	Dry cough	Benzonatate	Get coupon
Tylenol Cold/Flu	OTC combination medication	Wet cough, fever, headache, nasal congestion, minor aches	Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine	Get coupon
Vicks DayQuil Cough	OTC combination medication	Wet cough, chest congestion	Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin	Get coupon
Vicks Vapodrops	Cough drop or lozenge	Sore throat, dry or wet cough	Menthol	Get coupon
Ricola	Cough drop or lozenge	Sore throat, dry or wet cough	Menthol	Get coupon
Cepacol Extra Strength	Cough drop or lozenge	Sore throat, dry or wet cough	Benzocaine and menthol	Get coupon
Dimetapp Children’s Cold and Cough	OTC combination medication	Nasal congestion, runny nose, dry or wet cough, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy eyes	Brompheniramine, dextromethorphan	Get coupon
Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold	OTC combination medication	Cough, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat	Dextromethorphan, acetaminophen, and chlorpheniramine	Get coupon
Phenergan with codeine	Prescription combination medication	Dry cough, Runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing	Promethazine and codeine	Get coupon
Benadryl	Antihistamine	Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough	Diphenhydramine	Get coupon
Zyrtec	Antihistamine	Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough	Cetirizine	Get coupon
Claritin	Antihistamine	Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough	Loratadine	Get coupon
Zarbee’s Children’s Cough Syrup	OTC combination product	Dry or wet cough	Dark honey and ivy leaf extract	Get coupon

 

Types of cough medicine explained  

Cough medicine can work in different ways, from thinning chest congestion to shutting down your cough reflex. It’s best to choose the right type based on what’s causing the cough and other symptoms that accompany it.

Cough suppressants

Cough suppressants, also called antitussives, quiet a cough by working on the cough reflex in the brain. They’re not used to treat chest congestion on their own but instead are most helpful for dry, hacking, or tickling coughs that can make it hard to sleep at night. 

The most common OTC option is dextromethorphan, but some medicines use codeine or benzonatate, which is available only by prescription. Suppressants are usually taken as a syrup, capsule, or tablet. Possible side effects include drowsiness and dizziness. 

Expectorants

Expectorants help thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough it up. These medications are typically used when someone has a wet or productive cough or experiences chest congestion. 

The most common active ingredient is guaifenesin, which is found in many popular cold medicines. Expectorants are generally safe for most adults and children and can be taken by mouth, usually as a syrup or tablet.

Cough drops or lozenges

Cough drops and lozenges are small, medicated candies that dissolve slowly in the mouth to reduce coughing and soothe a scratchy throat. They often contain ingredients like menthol or herbal blends that have a cooling effect. 

Although they can relieve mild or short-term coughs, cough drops don’t treat the underlying causes. Some products include extra ingredients, such as benzocaine, to help numb pain or coat the throat. They’re easy to carry and use, which makes them a convenient remedy for mild coughs or throat irritation.

Decongestants

Decongestants work by shrinking blood vessels in the nasal passages, which decreases swelling and relieves a stuffy nose or sinus pressure. The most common active ingredients are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, although phenylephrine has been found to be ineffective. 

While not specifically used for coughs, healthcare providers sometimes recommend them if postnasal drip or a stuffy nose is triggering a cough. Decongestants are available as tablets, liquids, or nasal sprays. However, they can raise blood pressure, so people with high blood pressure or heart conditions may need to use them with caution.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines help when a cough is caused by allergies or postnasal drip. They block the action of histamine, a chemical the body releases during allergic reactions. This makes them useful for coughs coming from sneezing, runny nose, or drainage in the back of the throat. 

Some antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, can cause drowsiness, while others, like loratadine, are less likely to make you sleepy. They’re usually taken by mouth as regular tablets, but liquids and dissolvable tabs are also available.

Combination medications

Combination medications mix two or more active ingredients to treat several symptoms at once, such as cough, nasal congestion, body aches, and fever. These products are popular for people who want simple, all-in-one treatments for cold and flu symptoms. 

Some combination drugs include a cough suppressant and an expectorant, while others contain pain relievers like acetaminophen and decongestants or antihistamines. Many brands come in liquid, tablet, and capsule forms.

No matter which type of cough medicine you choose, keep in mind that they’re meant to provide temporary relief. If your cough lasts more than a few weeks or gets worse, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider.

Best cough medicine for adults

When looking for the best cough medicine for adults, it’s important to think about the type of cough that arises. A dry cough feels scratchy and does not bring up mucus, while a wet cough brings up phlegm or mucus.

For a dry cough, cough suppressants like dextromethorphan can help calm the urge to cough. With a wet or chesty cough, an expectorant such as guaifenesin can help thin mucus and make it easier to clear from the chest. Products containing dextromethorphan often have “DM” in their name, which can help you identify them. 

Other factors to consider when choosing a cough medicine include:

• How long it works: Some cough medications wear off in a few hours, while others last most of the day or night. Look for extended-release options for longer-lasting relief.
• What’s causing the cough: An acute cough from a cold might need different treatment than one from allergies or an infection. For example, antihistamines can help if your cough is due to allergies, while an antibiotic may help treat an underlying respiratory tract infection.
• Other health problems: For those with high blood pressure or heart problems, some cough products may not be safe. It’s a good idea to check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Whether other symptoms are present: Some cough meds also treat stuffy nose, sore throat, or fever. Combination products can help, but be sure the ingredients match the symptoms you want to manage.
• Natural options: Things like honey or warm tea can help calm a mild cough without the need for medicine. These are good options for those who want to skip drugstore treatments.

People with a cough caused by colds or the flu can often find cough relief with OTC choices, but some cases may require a prescription, such as for a chronic cough or if an infection is present.

Best cough medicine for kids

Medicines containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen are generally safe for infants and children. However, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for younger children. Although drug manufacturers recommend avoiding the use of cough medicine in children under 4, the FDA recommends avoiding cough medicine in children younger than 2 years old due to the risk of serious side effects.

In addition to certain medicines, safe options for young children may also include natural syrups. Zarbee’s Naturals Children’s Cough Syrup uses dark honey and ivy leaf to help soothe the throat and loosen mucus. It’s a popular drug-free choice among parents who want fewer side effects or added sugar. Helixia Prospan is another non-drowsy syrup for children aged 1 to 11, free from dyes, sucrose, and alcohol.

Parents may want to look for these features in a children’s cough medicine:

• Non-drowsy
• Free of alcohol, dyes, and added sugar
• Safe for the child’s age group (always check the label)
• Easy to measure and give

It’s also important to keep in mind the potential for dextromethorphan misuse in children and teenagers. Taking more than the recommended amount of dextromethorphan may be dangerous, potentially causing serious side effects like hallucinations or irregular heartbeat.

Always talk to a pediatrician before using any new medicine for a child. Most coughs from a cold will go away on their own, but medicine can help if the cough is uncomfortable or makes it hard for the child to sleep.

Natural cough remedies

Some people prefer to try natural cough remedies at home before taking OTC cough medicines. Potential home remedies include the following:

• Honey: A spoonful of honey may help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing, especially at night.
• Warm fluids: Drinking warm tea, broth, or water can help loosen mucus and keep the throat moist.
• Steam: Inhaling steam from a hot shower or warm-mist humidifier may help open airways and ease a cough.
• Saltwater gargle: Gargling with warm salt water may help relieve throat irritation and clear mucus.
• Menthol rubs: Applying menthol or eucalyptus rubs to the chest may help relieve cough and congestion.
• Rest and hydration: Getting plenty of sleep and staying well hydrated can support recovery from an underlying illness. 

While natural remedies won’t cure the cause of a cough, they can help relieve symptoms and decrease discomfort. If a cough is persistent or comes with other symptoms like fever or shortness of breath, it’s best to see a healthcare provider.

Considerations for special groups

Some people need to be especially careful when choosing a cough medicine. People with high blood pressure may need to avoid medicines that have decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, because they can raise blood pressure.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should talk to their family physician before taking any cough medication. Some ingredients, like dextromethorphan and guaifenesin, are generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, others, such as codeine and pseudoephedrine, may be harmful and should be avoided.

Older adults may also need to use extra caution since they may be more vulnerable to drug interactions or side effects like drowsiness, especially if they take multiple medications. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider or read the label closely to look for any warnings or contraindications.

When to see a doctor for your cough

Sometimes, a cough goes away after a week with rest and fluids. However, not every cough is just a simple cold. A persistent cough, or one that sticks around for more than three weeks, could be a sign of something more serious, like bronchitis, pneumonia, or another problem in the respiratory tract.

Pay attention to these signs that could mean it’s time to see a healthcare provider:

• Cough lasting more than three weeks
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• High fever or chills
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Weakness or fatigue that won’t go away
• Cough getting worse over time

A healthcare provider will ask about the type of cough, whether it’s dry, wet, or comes with a lot of mucus. They will also check for other symptoms to figure out if it’s a common cold, bronchitis, or something else. If OTC medicine doesn’t help, a healthcare provider will determine the best prescription cough medicine for you based on your overall symptoms.

For those with a history of lung disease or who get sick often, it’s important not to delay getting help. It’s always better to talk to a professional if you’re unsure about a cough or notice symptoms worsen after home remedies.

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