While searching for the best cough medicine, you will find several over-the-counter (OTC) cough suppressants that contain the drugsdextromethorpanordiphenhydramine. For more severe coughs, your healthcare provider may prescribe a medication formulated with codeine or hydrocodone.
This article provides an overview of the best OTC and prescription cough suppressants, along with which are appropriate for different age groups and how to use them safely.
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Over-the-Counter Cough Suppressants
Dextromethorphan anddiphenhydramine, active ingredients that suppress coughing, can be found in single over-the-counter formulations or inmulti-symptom cold and flu products.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is the primary over-the-counter cough suppressant. It is often the active ingredient in cough syrups, gel caps, lozenges, and combination cough and cold formulas. It is appropriate for anonproductive cough(a dry cough that doesn’t bring up phlegm).
However, it is questionable as to how much relief a child may get with dextromethorphan if they have a respiratory infection. Furthermore, studies have not shown that any OTC product improves acute cough significantly in children or adults.
Dextromethorphan is a synthetically manufactured chemical cousin to codeine. It is absorbed into the bloodstream and crosses into the brain where it binds to receptors in the medulla oblongata cough center, suppressing the cough reflex.
If taken in high dosage, dextromethorphan has psychoactive effects, including euphoria, visual distortion, loss of coordination, nausea, and vomiting. It is a known drug ofabuse, especially in younger people.
What to Know About Kids and Cough Medications
Brand name products containing dextromethorphan include:
Combination products are numerous.
Often, “DM” included in a product’s name indicates that it contains dextromethorphan.
Robitussin vs. Mucinex: How Do They Compare?
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is found in many OTC cough and cold formulas, especially those designated for nighttime use because it causes drowsiness.
Since there are concerns regarding dizziness and cognitive impairment in those who are age 65 and over, these individuals should talk to a healthcare provider before taking diphenhydramine.
Why Older People Should Avoid Diphenhydramine
Brand name products containing diphenhydramine include:
Combination products include:
Prescription Cough Suppressants
If coughing is significant enough of a bother when dealing with a cold, an OTC cough suppressant usually should be sufficient. Your healthcare provider may consider a prescription cough suppressant if a drugstore option proves ineffective and you can’t get comfortable or your cough is keeping you up at night.
Codeine
Depending on state regulation, it may require a prescription or be available over-the-counter, though you may need a store clerk to get it for you. Codeine may be found in combination with antihistamines and decongestants.
Prescription cough and cold medicines containing codeine include:
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is a semisyntheticopiatethe FDA classifies as an antitussive and analgesic (pain reliever). It isn’t precisely known how it suppresses coughs, but researchers believe it acts directly on the cough center in the brain.
Prescription cough and cold medications containing hydrocodone include:
Giving prescription cough medicines to kids or teens is dangerous. They can slow their breathing to dangerous levels and can even be fatal.
Summary
Although antitussives are one of the best cough medicines, several drugs used in antitussive medications can come with undesirable side effects, especially in people 65 and older. Whereas some drugs like dextromethorphan should never be given to children 2 years and under, most cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children under 4. Antitussive drugs like codeine are also linked to a high risk of addiction.
If you are dealing with a cough, consider soothing your symptoms withhome remediesfirst before reaching for a cough suppressant. If your cough is severe, not getting better, or preventing you from sleeping, reach out to your healthcare provider.
11 Sources
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