Overview
Cough and cold medications are over-the-counter and are easily available in any pharmacy. These medications, including nasal decongestants, expectorants, cough suppressants, and others, relieve the symptoms, and you will notice an improvement in your signs in a few days. In case of worsening symptoms, it’s important to get connected with your doctor for the prescription medication to treat cough and cold. Some natural remedies like ginger and honey tea can also work in case of prolonged symptoms, such as treating the cough and cold and medications.
What are the different types of cough and cold medicine?
Many effective cough and cold medications are recommended to decrease cough and cold symptoms. Mainly, these medications are classified as follows:
1. Nasal decongestants:
Nasal decongestants unclog a stuffy nose. Some of the most prescribed and preferred options for nasal decongestants are
- Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
These are available over the counter and by prescription in case of higher doses.
2. Expectorants:
Expectorants are also the medications prescribed to the patients to Loosen mucus in the lungs so it can be coughed up. Resultantly helping the body to get rid of the excessive mucus rapidly. Some of the most preferred medications for expectorants are
- Guaifenesin (Mucinex)
- Potassium iodide (SSKI)
They have different brand names and are available over the counter. A prescription is only needed if higher doses are required.
3. Cough suppressants:
Cough suppressants are also considered one of the best options for cough and cold. It helps quieten down a cough. These cough syrup for adults can help provide short-term relief from coughing. The active ingredient is usually dextromethorphan (DM), an effective cough suppressant. Examples include:
- Dextromethorphan (Robitussin)
- Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)
4. Pain relievers:
Pain relievers are also used to decrease fever, headaches, and body aches. Some of the most prescribed and recommended pain relief medications that are available over the counter as well are :
- Acetaminophen
- Ibuprofen
5. Antihistamines:
Antihistamines, also called “antiallergy medications,” help stop runny noses and sneezing.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Loratadine (Claritin),
Most of these are available over the counter for effective and symptomatic relief. Some of these OTC are prescriptions in case of higher doses prescribed by only healthcare providers in case of serious medical illness.
What’s a combination medicine for cough and cold?
Some of the good combinations for cold and cough are as follows :
- NyQuil Cold & Flu
- DayQuil Cold & Flu
- Mucinex DM
- Robitussin CF
- Theraflu Multi-Symptom Severe Cold
Combination medications are those with two to three active ingredients formulated to make one medication for the effective relief of cough and cold. They are also available over the counter but generally recommended by healthcare providers after the consultation and your signs or symptoms.
What are the best prescription cough medicines?
Some of the best prescription cough medicines recommended by healthcare providers for adults are :
- Codeine-containing syrups
- Hydrocodone-containing syrups
- Benzonatate
- Promethazine with codeine
- Guaifenesin with codeine
Some are combination medications prescribed by healthcare providers for effective and fast relief of cough and cold in adults. It’s important to follow the prescribed dose for effective treatment.
Prescription cough medicines for kids are similar to those for kids, except for the dosage and dose frequency. Following your doctor’s guidelines for kids to treat coughs and colds is important.
Is Cough Medicine Safe?
Yes, Cough medications are formulated in a way that has zero to very few side effects. However, it’s still important to consider the dosage formulation and quantity prescribed to you. In case of excessive use, there might be some side effects you will experience.
What else can I do to feel better for a cold or cough?
Other than the OTC and prescription options, there are some natural and home remedies to treat cough and cold as well. Some are :
1. Honey
Honey has been used to treat sore throats for centuries. It is a tried-and-tested remedy. Two teaspoons of honey can be mixed with herbal tea or warm water and lemon and consumed to soothe the throat. Honey has antibacterial properties as well. This is one of the very effective dry cough remedies.
2. Ginger
Ginger is a well-known traditional remedy that can aid in soothing a cough.
Some studies indicate that ginger can relax the airway muscles. This is highly beneficial for asthmatic symptoms, including coughing. Ginger contains a mixture of anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce swelling in the throat.
Ginger tea can be very helpful for persistent coughs. The hot liquid reduces irritation, mucus, and dryness in the throat.
3. Slippery elm
This is yet another ancient remedy for coughing and sore throats. It is believed to reduce inflammation and soothe the throat lining.
Slippery elm is available in the form of tablets, lozenges, capsules, and tea.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint leaves are widely known for their healing properties. The menthol in peppermint helps soothe the throat and ease breathing.
Inhaling peppermint vapors from a steam treatment or drinking peppermint tea may help provide relief.
What are the precautions while taking cough medicine?
- Read the list of ingredients carefully. Not every cough syrup is right for you. It is best to check the label to see if it is a suppressant, an expectorant, or a combination medicine.
- Read the label. After choosing the correct medicine for you, it is essential to read the label carefully to help ensure you know the common side effects and any warnings.
- Don’t use the cough medicine for more than a week. Another underlying condition may cause the cough; therefore, it is best to consult a doctor if it is persistent.
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Drinking cough syrups directly from the bottle is definitely not a good idea. It is best to take measures and take the correct dosage. Medicines in high doses can prove to be dangerous. High doses of cough medicine can cause complications such as seizures, brain damage, or death.
- Be extra cautious with combination medicines. Many OTC cough medicines contain multiple ingredients. These commonly contain suppressants, expectorants, and antihistamines, decongestants, or painkillers. Selecting products depends on your symptoms. Taking two medications simultaneously that contain the same ingredients can be dangerous.
- Keep away from children. Cough and cold medicine should not be prescribed to children under four. A doctor should be consulted for kids above that age.
When to Consult a Doctor
You should stop taking cough medicine and inform your doctor if your cough lasts for more than two weeks. Colds and coughs are usually treated with OTC drugs. In case of persistency and worsening symptoms, connect with an online doctor for a consultation and prescription medication to treat your cough and cold.
FAQs About Cough Medications Answered by Your Doctors Online Team
Products containing menthol such as throat lozenges or cough drops may help relieve coughs temporarily.
Some measures that may help relieve nighttime coughing include:
Using a humidifier
Gargling with warm water containing salt
Elevating the head
Drinking tea with honey
Taking over-the-counter medications
There are cough products available over the counter that may help get rid of a cough quickly. These contain guaifenesin and dextromethorphan or both.
Taking an expectorant or a cough suppressant or consuming warm fluids or tea can help eliminate a cough effectively.
Cough suppressants, throat lozenges, using a humidifier, gargling with salt water, and drinking plenty of fluids all help cure a dry cough.
Cough may worsen at night because a person is lying flat and the mucus can pool at the back of the throat, triggering a cough. Elevating the head can help decrease postnasal drip and prevent coughing fits.
If the cough persists for several weeks, contains yellowish-green phlegm or blood or is associated with multiple symptoms, further evaluation is required.
Sucking a lozenge, hard candy, or warm fluids may help dampen any cough.
Antibiotics are generally not required in case of a common cold. Over-the-counter medications and home remedies often do the trick.
The best cough medicines for COPD patients are expectorants like guaifenesin (Mucinex) to help clear mucus. Prescription options like inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids may also be recommended for managing symptoms.
