Over-the-counter options range from syrups to pills, lozenges to menthol rubs—but medication isn’t always the best treatment
When you have a cough that won’t quit, you know the hunt for relief is on. Full force. And when your search leads you to the over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine aisle, you investigate your options. There’s no shortage of them.
But what’s the best OTC cough medicine? Will anything give your lungs a break?
Does OTC cough medicine really work? Cleveland Clinic family medicine physician Matthew Goldman, MD, about the kinds of cough meds out there and what really works.
Whether cough medicine really does the trick is up for some debate.
“There are differing opinions regarding the value of OTC cough medicines,” Dr. Goldman reports. “Some experts suggest letting a cough resolve naturally, as coughing helps clear irritants and mucus. Others recommend using medications to relieve symptoms, especially if the cough disrupts sleep or daily activities.”
Types of cough medicine
A visit to your local pharmacy reveals row after row of syrups, pills, lozenges, rubs, patches, and other products promising to calm that nagging cough.
And in addition to coming in different forms, they come also with different ingredients. Some are better for some uses. Others for other needs. And often, cough medicine may not be your best answer at all. More on that in a bit.
You can put this in a box instead of in the copy, if it’ll fit better as a chart
Here’s a quick look at some of the most common cough medicine ingredients and their best uses:
| Ingredient | Common brand names | Pros | Cons |
| Dextromethorphan | Robitussin® and Delsym® | Best for dry (nonproductive) coughs | May cause drowsiness or dizziness |
| Guaifenesin | Mucinex® | Helps loosen mucus to make coughs more productive | May increase coughing initially, and not recommended for nighttime use |
| Pseudoephedrine | Sudafed® | Reduces nasal congestion | Can cause jitters or insomnia |
| Diphenhydramine | Benadryl® | Can be helpful at night | May cause drowsiness and dry mouth |
| Menthol | Vicks® products, multiple brands of cough drops and lozenges | Not medicated, few side effects and generally safe | Relief is usually temporary |
Be sure to read medication labels thoroughly. Many cough medicine products combine multiple ingredients into a single product. That can include things like:
• Fever-reducers
• Sleep aids
• Pain relievers
Dr. Goldman recommends caution when using cough medicine products containing more than one active ingredient. Take only as directed and beware of taking additional medications at the same time to avoid overdosing.
Coughs typically wax and wane naturally throughout the day and over the course of an illness. So, what some people may chalk up to the medicine working may be nothing more than the cough running its course.
What’s more, some cough medicine keeps your body from doing what it naturally wants to—kick out the mucus, irritants and germs that are making you sick. So, when you’re suppressing your body’s natural germ-eviction system, you’re not really fixing the problem. Just masking the (irritating and stare-inducing) effects.
Additionally, even if cough medicine makes it a little easier to get some sleep and go about your day, it can mask an illness that deserves medical attention. Like a bacterial infection, asthma, whopping cough, or pneumonia.
Research on the effectiveness of OTC cough medicines is mixed. Some suggest that cough medicine is no better than a placebo.
Alternatives to cough medicine
When cough medicine isn’t the best route for your symptoms, other solutions help you feel better.
Products containing menthol can be an effective substitute for medications. You can also try other home remedies, like:
• Drinking peppermint tea
• Using a neti pot
• Running a humidifier
• Adding honey to warm water or tea
• Spending time in a steamy room, like a steamed-up bathroom or sauna
• Getting enough rest (try lying on an incline when staying flat leads to coughing fits)
• Drinking plenty of water
How long is too long to deal with a cough?
Dr. Goldman recommends seeing a healthcare provider if your cough lasts more than three weeks or if you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or fever.
And kow that cough medicine shouldn’t be used in children under 4. Consult a healthcare provider about whether your child’s cough would benefit from medication.
The bottom line? Using cough medicines may be beneficial if the cough is nonproductive and interferes with sleep or daily activities. However, productive coughs, which help expel mucus, are often best left untreated.
Source: Excerpted from an article at https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cough-syrup-cough-drops-menthol-rub-whats-best-for-my-cough?
