Robitussin and Mucinex are well-known cough medicines. Find out more about other over-the-counter and prescription cough treatments. Show
Cough causes | Types of cough medicine | Best OTC cough medicines | Best Rx cough medicines | Types of cough medicine | How to take cough medicine | Home remedies | When to see a doctor | FAQs Coughs are one of the most common reasons people see their primary healthcare provider. Since most coughs are caused by common colds or environmental factors, over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines and at-home remedies usually fix the problem. However, it is important to visit your primary care provider to seek medical advice—and even prescription cough medicine—if a cough causes a fever or lasts longer than three weeks. Causes of a coughWhile an occasional cough is normal, a cough that persists may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Coughs are a defensive reflex that aims to clear excessive secretions and foreign bodies from airways. However, severe and frequent coughing can significantly impact your quality of life. These are the main reasons for a cough:
Acute cough in adults is one that lasts for less than 4 weeks. A chronic cough in adults is one that lasts for more than a month. Acute coughs are generally a symptom of a self-limiting virus, like a cold, upper respiratory infection, influenza, and acute bronchitis. Chronic coughs are generally associated with a more serious underlying condition in which you need to see medical care if your cough lasts longer than a month. These more serious underlying conditions include asthma, GERD, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer. Types of cough medicineVarious medications can be used to treat cough and cold symptoms, but only a few of them can quickly treat the symptoms. Here are the main types:
What are the best over-the-counter cough medicines?Most cases of the common cold can be treated without going to a healthcare provider, there are plenty of over-the-counter cough medicines you can pick up at your local drugstore without a prescription. Some of the more popular OTC, fast treatments for a cough include:
For most coughs that are associated with a self-limiting illness, like cold and flu, it is not recommended to treat coughs in children under age 12. However, children ages 6-12 years can use OTC cough medicines specifically formulated for children, including Children’s Robitussin Honey Cough and Chest Congestion. Supportive measures to help relieve cough include honey (not to be used in children under age one), menthol rubs, humidified air, hydration. RELATED: Sudafed vs. Mucinex | Delsym vs. Robitussin If you find that OTC cough medicines are not working for you, and your symptoms worsen or persist, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help. Considering that the most common causes of coughs are upper respiratory illnesses, and these are most commonly caused by viruses, it’s unlikely your GP will prescribe any antibiotics as a cough treatment. Antibiotics are only used for bacterial infections, such as strep throat. If you have a cough that you just can’t shake and it lasts more than three weeks, see your doctor and explore the possibility of an underlying condition that may need to be treated with prescription medication. What are the best prescription cough medicines?Although, there are many prescription cough medications on the market here are some your healthcare provider may prescribe for fast cough and pain relief:
We strongly recommend that you speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medication while pregnant or breastfeeding, or before giving any medication to children under 12 years of age. How to take cough medicineCough medicine is available in a variety of forms, including syrups, powders, pills, capsules, and nasal sprays. Often the form that’s best for you is just personal preference. For example, many children struggle to swallow tablets, especially when they have a sore throat, so a syrup may be the best option.
What are the best home remedies for a cough?While there are many medicines available to help ease your cough, there are also a number of things you can do at home that don’t require medication and can be very effective. Cough remedies include:
Most of the time over-the-counter and home remedies will effectively combat an irritating cough but if the cough persists or gets worse you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider. And it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider when taking any medications, whether they are OTC or prescription, especially before giving them to children. When to see a healthcare provider?You should see a healthcare provider (HCP) for a cough that lasts for longer than a month, or is associated with wheezing and shortness of breath, discolored mucus, or blood. If you have a history of heart problems and you suddenly have a cough not associated with an illness, like cold or flu, you should see your HCP. You should also visit with your HCP if your cough is associated with fever, night sweats, or a croup-like cough in children (sounds like a barking seal). Frequently asked questionsWhat cold medicine can I take while breastfeeding or pregnant?The only cold medicines that are advised to take while breastfeeding or pregnant include guaifenesin (should be avoided in the first trimester), dextromethorphan, Tylenol, and chlorpheniramine. Pseudoephedrine can also be used, but should be avoided in the first trimester. What medicine gets rid of cough fastThis depends on the cause of the cough, but typically cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan, work the quickest. What are the best cough medicines for children?Natural or home remedies are best to treat cough in children, especially those under age 6 who cough medicines are not recommended for. These remedies include humidified air, honey (but not for those under age 1), VapoRub (not for those under age 2), and hydration. What is the best cough medicine for Covid?Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. |