{"id":7544,"date":"2019-12-13T14:00:08","date_gmt":"2019-12-13T19:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=7544"},"modified":"2025-07-22T17:57:54","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T21:57:54","slug":"best-cough-medicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-cough-medicine\/","title":{"rendered":"The best cough medicine for fast relief"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finding the best cough medicine among the choices available at the pharmacy can be confusing. It\u2019s common to experience a persistent cough for various reasons, including a <\/span>cold<\/span><\/a>, allergies, or even acid reflux. Although there\u2019s no single \u201cbest\u201d cough medicine for everyone, recognizing what type of cough is occurring can help narrow down the options.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Whether it\u2019s a cough that\u2019s <\/span>dry<\/span><\/a>, 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\u2019s best to read the product label and talk to a pharmacist when choosing one, but the comparison below can help you get started. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Best cough medicine comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Brand name<\/b><\/td>\nType<\/b><\/td>\nBest for<\/b><\/td>\nKey ingredients<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Delsym\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nOTC cough suppressant<\/span><\/td>\nDry cough<\/span><\/td>\nDextromethorphan<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mucinex\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nOTC expectorant<\/span><\/td>\nWet cough, chest congestion<\/span><\/td>\nGuaifenesin<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Robitussin DM\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nOTC combination medication<\/span><\/td>\nWet cough, chest congestion<\/span><\/td>\nDextromethorphan and guaifenesin<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tessalon Perles<\/b><\/td>\nPrescription cough suppressant<\/span><\/td>\nDry cough<\/span><\/td>\nBenzonatate<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tylenol Cold\/Flu\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nOTC combination medication<\/span><\/td>\nWet cough, fever, headache, nasal congestion, minor aches<\/span><\/td>\nAcetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vicks DayQuil Cough\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nOTC combination medication<\/span><\/td>\nWet cough, chest congestion<\/span><\/td>\nDextromethorphan and guaifenesin<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vicks Vapodrops\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nCough drop or lozenge<\/span><\/td>\nSore throat, dry or wet cough<\/span><\/td>\nMenthol<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ricola\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nCough drop or lozenge<\/span><\/td>\nSore throat, dry or wet cough<\/span><\/td>\nMenthol<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cepacol Extra Strength<\/b><\/td>\nCough drop or lozenge<\/span><\/td>\nSore throat, dry or wet cough<\/span><\/td>\nBenzocaine and menthol<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dimetapp Children\u2019s Cold and Cough\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nOTC combination medication<\/span><\/td>\nNasal congestion, runny nose, dry or wet cough, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy eyes<\/span><\/td>\nBrompheniramine, dextromethorphan<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Coricidin HBP Cough and Cold<\/b><\/td>\nOTC combination medication<\/span><\/td>\nCough, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat<\/span><\/td>\nDextromethorphan, acetaminophen, and chlorpheniramine<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Phenergan with codeine<\/b><\/td>\nPrescription combination medication<\/span><\/td>\nDry cough, Runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing<\/span><\/td>\nPromethazine and codeine<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Benadryl<\/b><\/td>\nAntihistamine<\/span><\/td>\nRunny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough<\/span><\/td>\nDiphenhydramine<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zyrtec\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nAntihistamine<\/span><\/td>\nRunny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough<\/span><\/td>\nCetirizine<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Claritin<\/b><\/td>\nAntihistamine<\/span><\/td>\nRunny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough<\/span><\/td>\nLoratadine<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zarbee\u2019s Children\u2019s Cough Syrup<\/b><\/td>\nOTC combination product<\/span><\/td>\nDry or wet cough<\/span><\/td>\nDark honey and ivy leaf extract<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Types of cough medicine explained\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cough medicine can work in different ways, from thinning chest congestion to shutting down your cough reflex. It\u2019s best to choose the right type based on what\u2019s causing the cough and other symptoms that accompany it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cough suppressants<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cough suppressants, also called <\/span>antitussives<\/span><\/a>, quiet a cough by working on the cough reflex in the brain. They\u2019re 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>drowsiness<\/span><\/a> and dizziness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Expectorants<\/span><\/h3>\n

Expectorants help thin and <\/span>loosen mucus<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cough drops or lozenges<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although they can relieve mild or short-term coughs, cough drops don\u2019t treat the underlying causes. Some products include extra ingredients, such as benzocaine, to help <\/span>numb pain<\/span><\/a> or coat the throat. They\u2019re easy to carry and use, which makes them a convenient remedy for mild coughs or throat irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Decongestants<\/span><\/h3>\n

Decongestants work by shrinking blood vessels in the nasal passages, which decreases swelling and relieves a <\/span>stuffy nose<\/span><\/a> or sinus pressure. The most common active ingredients are pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, although phenylephrine has been found to be <\/span>ineffective<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Antihistamines<\/span><\/h3>\n

Antihistamines<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, can <\/span>cause drowsiness<\/span><\/a>, while others, like loratadine, are less likely to make you sleepy. They\u2019re usually taken by mouth as regular tablets, but liquids and dissolvable tabs are also available.<\/span><\/p>\n

Combination medications<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter which type of cough medicine you choose, keep in mind that they\u2019re meant to provide temporary relief. If your cough lasts <\/span>more than a few weeks<\/span><\/a> or gets worse, it\u2019s a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best cough medicine for adults<\/span><\/h2>\n

When looking for the best cough medicine for adults, it\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 \u201cDM\u201d in their name, which can help you identify them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other factors to consider when choosing a cough medicine include:<\/span><\/p>\n