The cough reflex is your body’s defense against irritants and germs. However, frequent or painful coughing can seriously affect your daily activities, and this is when most people turn to cough medicine to stop their symptoms.
In this article, we will detail some of the best cough medicine options available.
Common causes of coughing
Coughing is your body’s way of getting rid of harmful irritants and germs. The cough reflex comes from an impulse in your brain to push air out of your lungs and drive out whatever is bothering you.
There are two primary types of cough: acute and chronic. An acute cough lasts for three or fewer weeks and is often a symptom of an underlying illness. Chronic coughing lasts longer than eight weeks in adults and four weeks in young children.
Potential causes of acute cough include:
- The common cold
- Influenza (the flu)
- Pneumonia
- Whooping cough
- Allergies
Potential causes of chronic cough include:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Bronchitis
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Medication reaction
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Treatment for coughing will depend on the underlying cause of your cough and how bad your symptoms are.
The best cough medicines for adults
The best cough medicine for adults is based on the type of cough you have and the cause of your symptoms. These drugs are intended for use in adults. The FDA cautions against giving young children cough or cold medicine.
While there is a lack of evidence that OTC medicines can treat coughs, if you feel like medication is helping you feel better and you don’t have any side effects, continue to do what makes you comfortable. Healthcare providers still recommend cough medicine as the first option for treating symptoms. If OTC medicine isn’t working, talk to a healthcare provider. They may order prescription medicine if appropriate.
Based on your symptoms, try these OTC cough medicines:
- Best cough suppressant for a dry cough: Antitussives like Robitussin
- Best cough medicine for a wet (productive) cough: Expectorants like Mucinex
- Best cough medicine for cough caused by allergies or post-nasal drip: Antihistamines like Benadryl
- Best cough medicine for a cough that occurs with other symptoms (like fever or chills): Combination medicine like Tylenol Cold + Flu
- Best medicine for a sore throat from coughing: OTC pain relievers like Tylenol
If you have questions or concerns regarding the best treatment for coughing or if you have a chronic medical condition, talk to a healthcare provider before taking OTC cough medications.
OTC cough medicine and children
The FDA does not recommend the use of cough or cold medicines in children under 2, and most drug manufacturers caution against their use in children 4 and under.
Parents and caregivers should be cautious when giving cough or cold medicine to older children. Carefully read the instructions on the medication’s packaging and follow them exactly.
If you notice any worrying side effects after giving an older child OTC medicine, seek medical attention right away.
Types of cough medicine
There are five primary types of cough medicine.
Antitussives
Antitussives, also known as cough suppressants, are a family of drugs designed to suppress coughing. They do this by acting on the brain's cough reflex.
Dextromethorphan is a common antitussive ingredient in many over-the-counter cough medicines. It can be found in its generic form or under various brand names.
Over-the-counter cough medicines that contain dextromethorphan include:
- Delsym
- Tussin
- Robitussin Cough Gels & Cough Syrup
- Vicks 44 Dry Cough Relief
Side effects of antitussive use include:
- Dizziness,
- Drowsiness,
- Nausea,
- Constipation
Prescription antitussive medicines often contain codeine, which is a controlled substance. Misuse or overuse of prescription antitussives can lead to dependency and addiction. However, there are some prescription antitussives that do not come with this risk.
Benzonatate
Benzonatate is a commonly prescribed antitussive medicine for severe cough.
Unlike other prescription cough medicines, benzonatate is not classified as a controlled substance. It has been shown to cause some side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Stuffy nose
Pregnant or nursing women should exercise caution and talk to their healthcare provider before using antitussives.
Expectorants
Expectorant medications thin mucus and phlegm from the respiratory system. The body expels thinned mucus through a wet cough, which can relieve chest congestion.
Guaifenesin is a common active ingredient in expectorants. It is available as an oral tablet, capsule, solution, or syrup in its generic form or under various brand names. Guaifenesin's side effects are generally mild. Most older children and adults tolerate most OTC cough medications well.
OTC cough medicines containing guaifenesin include:
- Mucinex
- Guaifenesin
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are effective at easing coughing when caused by an allergic reaction. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, which can help reduce coughing associated with allergic reactions and postnasal drip.
Antihistamines may not be as effective for coughs caused by conditions other than allergies, such as the common cold.
Antihistamines are available as oral tablets, capsules, or nasal sprays.
Common OTC antihistamines include:
- Cetirizine (generic for Zyrtec)
- Loratadine (generic for Alavert and Claritin)
- Diphenhydramine
- Fexofenadine
- Brompheniramine (generic for Dimetane)
- Chlorpheniramine (generic for Chlor-Trimeton)
- Clemastine (generic for Dayhist)
- Doxylamine (generic for Vicks NyQuil)
Antihistamine use has been shown to cause some side effects. These are generally mild, and most OTC antihistamines are well tolerated.
Side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty with urinating
- Blurred vision
- Skin irritation (more common in topical antihistamine use)
If these side effects persist over a few days, or you begin to notice more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, skin rash, or chest tightness, seek medical attention immediately.
Decongestants
Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages and respiratory tract, which eases swelling and congestion. This helps to clear blockage, making it easier to breathe.
It is crucial to use decongestants as directed and for a limited duration. Long-term use can make congestion worse. In addition, decongestants may not be effective for coughs caused by other factors, such as allergies or irritants.
Pseudoephedrine is the most common form of OTC decongestant on the market. Phenylephrine, another common ingredient, is ineffective. Because of this, look for OTC medication containing pseudoephedrine, like Sudafed.
Sudafed comes in both “Drowsy” and “Non-Drowsy” options. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking “Drowsy” Sudafed, as it can make you sleepy and impair your abilities. “Drowsy” or “Night-time” Sudafed should be taken before bed.
Pain relievers
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) may help sore throat and sinus pain symptoms associated with coughs.
NSAIDs have been shown to increase blood pressure in some individuals slightly. If you are managing high blood pressure or a heart condition, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider before using any NSAID.
Combination medicines
Many cough and cold medicines contain two or more of the ingredients listed above. These medicines are known as combination medicines.
Not only do these drugs ease coughing, but they can also treat flu and cold symptoms such as:
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
Combination cough and cold medicines include:
- Mucinex Fast-Max (Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin)
- Dayquil Cold + Flu (Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, guaifenesin)
- Tylenol Cold + Flu
At-home cough remedies
If you want to treat a mild cough without using drugs, you can use several home remedies to start feeling better. These are also great treatment options for kids dealing with an acute cough, as the FDA does not recommend giving young children cough or cold medicine.
Home remedies for cough
Honey: Honey is a natural remedy for easing sore throats and mild irritation. Mix honey with warm water or herbal tea for a soothing drink. Honey should not be given to children under one due to the risk of botulism.
Lozenges: Lozenges (cough drops) are a popular over-the-counter remedy for a cough. These tablets dissolve slowly in the mouth, relieving dry and productive coughs. The active ingredients in cough lozenges typically include menthol, honey, or herbal extracts. Sucking on a lozenge may be a choking hazard for young children. Do not give children under five years of age lozenges for their cough.
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated helps soothe the throat and thin mucus, making it easier to get rid of. Warm liquids, such as herbal teas, broths, or warm water with honey and lemon, can help soothe the throat.
Gargle salt water: This simple yet effective technique involves dissolving salt in warm water and using the solution to rinse the throat. The saltwater solution reduces swelling and irritation. It can also help to loosen mucus and remove irritants, relieving dry and productive coughs.
Humidify the air: Humidifiers work by increasing the moisture content in the air, which can help soothe an irritated throat and respiratory passages. Keep your humidifier clean to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria, and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper use.
How Sesame can help
If you want more information about the best treatment options available, book an online doctor appointment on Sesame to speak with a licensed healthcare provider today. These convenient telehealth appointments offer medical care over video so you can start feeling better right away.
