Let's see what to use over the counter to quiet this cough.
These recommendations assume a minor cough or a cough due to cold, allergy or flu.
Coughing is a reflex action and should be taken seriously if you don't know the cause.
With this in mind, let's go through what is available over-the-counter for cough and use this information to choose a good cough medicine that will give you relief.
Dextromethorphan (DM)
DM is a cough suppressant that decreases activities in the part of the brain which control the coughing reflex.
It is best for a dry and irritating cough where no mucus or phlegm is being produced. The only time you will need a cough suppressant if a cough is wet is to control coughing at night or if this cough is very bad and giving you chest pain.
Delsym or store brands are good examples
Guaifenesin
This is an expectorant. It loosens thick, dried up mucus in the throat and chest making it easier to cough up.
You will take this if you are experiencing chest congestion and coughing up stuff. If it is a dry cough, skip this.
Drink a lot of water for this to work. Keep drinking water throughout the day not just when taking the medication. Because you need to keep the throat moist or lubricated so the mucus can flow.
Cough Drops
Use this for a dry, irritating, scratchy, and tickling cough. Look for one with honey added to it. Honey help suppress the cough.
Some brands contain dextromethorphan. Do not use this with dextromethorphan syrup or DM tablets. It is one or the other.
Decongestant
The recommended decongestant is Pseudoephedrine. Get this at the pharmacy counter.
It will reduce the nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and increase the drainage of sinus secretions.
Stay away from phenylephrine.
If the pharmacy is closed and you really think you need a decongestant, go with a decongestant nasal spray instead.
Antihistamine
If fluid draining to the back of the throat is causing this cough, you will need to include an antihistamine.
You will also need this if you are experiencing a night time cough or the cough is keeping you awake at night.
Go with the antihistamine called diphenhydramine. This will dry up the drainage, get you some sleep and also work on the cough.
If you need something during the day, chlorpheniramine will be your best bet. It cause less drowsiness.
Last updated by pharmacist on : 03/07/2018
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Using over-the-counter medication is not recommended.
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Dextromethorphan
DM is a cough suppressant that decrease activities in the part of the brain which controls the coughing reflex.
It is best for a dry and irritating cough where no mucus or phlegm is being produced. With wet cough, you don't want to suppress it - need to cough it out. The only time you will need a cough suppressant if a cough is wet is to control coughing at night or if this cough is very bad and giving you chest pain.
Delsym or store brands
Guaifenesin
An expectorant. It loosen thick, dried up mucus in the throat and chest so it is easier to cough up.
Take this if you are experiencing chest congestion and coughing up stuff. If it is a dry cough, skip this.
You need to drink a lot of water for this to work.
Keep drinking water throughout the day not just when taking the medication. Because you need to keep the throat moist or lubricated so the mucus can flow.
Antihistamine
If fluid draining to the back of the throat is causing this cough, you will need to include an antihistamine.
You will also need this if you are experiencing a night time cough or the cough is keeping you awake at night.
Go with the antihistamine called diphenhydramine. This will dry up the drainage, get you some sleep and work on the cough.
If you need something during the day, chlorpheniramine will be your best bet. This causes less drowsiness which is manageable to most people during the day.
Combination Products
Guaifenesin + Dextromethorphan
Take this if you have a wet or a productive cough and this cough is keeping you up at night or you just can't stop coughing.
Stay away if it is just a wet cough. You need to keep things moving or prevent the mucus from getting too far into the respiratory tracts. You need a cough reflex for this protective mechanism.
Examples: Mucinex DM®, Robitussin DM®, Store brands
Guaifenesin + Pseudoephedrine
Combines an expectorant with a decongestant. You will get this at the pharmacy counter because of the pseudoephedrine.
Mucinex D
Worth doing
1. Drink Plenty of Water
2. Honey
3. Steam showers
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