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What types of cough medicines can you buy at the pharmacy?
When you go to a pharmacy, you will probably see a lot of different types of cough medicines. But not all of them are the same. They contain different active ingredients. You should choose the most suitable medicine according to the nature of your cough. Simply put, these cough medicines (Over-the-Counter - OTC) can be divided into two main types.The important thing is that these medications only reduce the discomfort you feel from a cough, not the cause of the cough (e.g. a viral infection).
| Type of medicine | Functionality and use case |
|---|---|
| Expectorants | These work by thinning the thick mucus in your chest and helping it to come out more easily. This type is suitable if you have a cough that is thick and makes your chest feel stuffy . The most commonly used ingredient is Guaifenesin . |
| Cough suppressants/antitussives | These work by directly affecting the cough center in the brain, reducing the frequency of coughing. This type is suitable if you have a dry, hacking cough without mucus . The most commonly used ingredient is Dextromethorphan (DM) . |
Dry cough? Cough with mucus? How to choose the right one?
It is very important to understand what kind of cough you have.- Dry Cough : This type of cough does not produce any mucus. It just feels like a tickle in the throat or a sore throat . A cough suppressant is best for this type of cough.
- Wet/Productive Cough: In this type of cough, mucus is produced when you cough. It feels like mucus is coming out of your chest. Using an expectorant for this type of cough can help to get rid of the mucus more easily.
Is it safe to give this cough medicine to young children?
This is something that many parents should be concerned about.According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , over-the-counter cough and cold medications are not recommended for children under the age of 4.
- Giving these medications to children under 2 years of age can cause serious, even life-threatening, side effects .
- These medications can only be given to children between the ages of 4 and 6 if your doctor recommends it.
- Children over 6 years old can use these medications. However, it is essential to give the correct dosage. Use the measuring cup or syringe that comes with the medicine bottle. Do not use things like teaspoons from the kitchen.
- Be very careful about overdose . Giving two medications with the same active ingredient (e.g., a cough syrup and a pain reliever) at the same time can cause an overdose. Never give children medications that are prescribed for adults.
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Check Availability →Side effects of this medication and interactions with other medications
A healthy adult usually doesn't experience any major side effects, but some people may experience things like:- Guaifenesin (expectorant) is due to:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) is due to:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Restlessness
- Nausea and vomiting
Pregnant and lactating mothers
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult your doctor before taking any medication. Although Guaifenesin and Dextromethorphan are generally considered safe to take as single ingredients, it is wise to avoid combination products.Interactions with other drugs
If you are taking medication for other conditions (e.g., depression, high blood pressure), ask your doctor before taking cough medicine. Dextromethorphan may interact with some antidepressants.Overdose and emergencies
Like any medicine, these cough medicines can cause an overdose if taken in excess of the recommended dose. Dextromethorphan is a compound that some people abuse to get high. An overdose can cause serious symptoms such as:- Difficulty breathing
- Coma
- Seizures
- Blueness of the fingertips and lips
- Blurred vision
- Extreme drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Heart palpitations
What to do in an emergency? If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . If, for any reason , the person becomes unconscious, has convulsions, has difficulty breathing, or cannot be revived, immediately take them to a hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
When should you see a doctor?
The cough that comes with a common cold will subside in a few days. However, if you have the following symptoms, it's best to see a doctor instead of taking medicine from the pharmacy. Seek medical advice immediately!
A persistent cough may also be a symptom of another medical condition, such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic bronchitis. | Cough that persists for more than two weeks . | Hearing a 'whistling' sound when breathing (wheezing). |
| Having a fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C). | Discharge of yellow, green, or bloody mucus. |
| Having severe chest pain. | Severe difficulty breathing. |
💡 Take-Home Message
- Before buying a cough medicine from the pharmacy, read the label carefully to determine whether you have a dry cough or a cough with mucus, and choose the medicine that best suits your needs.
- Use the measuring cup that comes with the medicine bottle and take only the prescribed dose. Never increase the dose.
- Do not give these medications to children under 4 years of age without medical advice. Be very careful when giving medications to children.
- If your cough lasts more than two weeks or you have other symptoms, such as fever or difficulty breathing, be sure to see your doctor.
- Most coughs do not require any special treatment. Simple things like drinking warm beverages and taking a teaspoon of honey can provide relief.
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