Best Choices of Cough Syrups for You
Active Ingredients
The active ingredients in cough syrup are the substances that are responsible for relieving your symptoms. The most common active ingredients in cough syrup include:
- Dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant that works by blocking the cough reflex in the brain
- Guaifenesin, which is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up
- Pseudoephedrine, which is a decongestant that helps to relieve nasal and chest congestion
Before choosing a cough syrup, be sure to read the label and check the active ingredients to make sure that it contains the right ones for your symptoms.
Cough syrup is available in several different dosage forms, including liquid, syrup, and capsule. Liquid and syrup cough syrups are typically easier to take, especially for children, but capsules may be easier to carry around and take on the go. Consider your personal preference and needs when choosing a dosage form.
Age Range
Cough syrups are often formulated specifically for different age ranges, such as children, adults, and seniors. Be sure to choose a cough syrup that is appropriate for your age range to ensure that it is safe and effective.
Flavor
Cough syrups come in a wide range of flavors, including cherry, grape, menthol, and honey. Consider your personal preference and any flavor preferences of the person taking the cough syrup when choosing a flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What medicine gets rid of a cough fast?
To get rid of a cough quickly, you can try using cough suppressants like dextromethorphan, which is available over-the-counter. Expectorants can also help, especially for wet coughs, as they thin the mucus in your airway, making it easier to cough up.
2. What is the name of a narcotic cough syrup?
Codeine is a type of narcotic medicine commonly used in cough syrups to reduce coughing. It is often combined with other medications, such as acetaminophen, in prescription pain medicines.
3. How do I stop coughing at night?
To stop coughing at night, you can try several remedies. Use a humidifier or breathe in steam from a hot shower or teakettle before bed to moisten the airways. Elevating your head with an extra pillow can also help. Other options include using saline or saltwater nose spray, swallowing a teaspoon of honey, sipping warm tea or soup, and sucking on menthol or honey lozenges.
4. How do I stop constant coughing?
To stop constant coughing, it's important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help thin the mucus. Inhaling steam from a hot shower or using a humidifier can also help loosen mucus. These remedies can provide relief and reduce the frequency of coughing.
5. What is a good alternative to codeine cough syrup?
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a common alternative to codeine in cough syrups. It is a cough suppressant that has been used since the 1950s and is known to be effective without the side effects associated with codeine, such as nausea, constipation, and dependency.
6. What cough syrup has opiates in it?
Codeine cough syrup is one example of a cough syrup that contains opiates. Codeine is a mild opioid narcotic and is sometimes abused by people seeking narcotic highs. However, it's important to note that many codeine cough syrups no longer contain alcohol.
7. What is the best opioid cough suppressant?
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a widely used over-the-counter cough suppressant. It is a synthetic opioid that has been shown to be effective in both clinical settings and experimental cough challenge studies. It provides cough relief without the risks and side effects associated with other opioid medications.
Editor's Notes
During our cough syrup research, we found 26 cough syrup products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 158,612 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cough syrups list. We found that most customers choose cough syrups with an average price of $15.48.
The cough syrups are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cough syrups, including Robitussin, Buckley's. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.
