Which Is the Best Medicine for Cough?

The best medicine for cough includes over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines containing guaifenesin and/or dextromethorphan (cough syrup or tablet form), cough suppressants (Delsym, Mucinex DM, Robitussin, NyQuil), antibiotics, decongestants (Sudafed/pseudoephedrine), antihistamines (Benadryl/diphenhydramine), home remedies, and others.

A cough can be voluntary or involuntary, and it is the body’s way to help clear the airways of irritants and to prevent infection. Cough is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

The best medicine or treatment for cough depends on the cause and whether the cough is acute or chronic. 

Medicines used to treat cough may include: 

• Over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines containing guaifenesin and/or dextromethorphan (these can be found as cough syrups and in tablet form)
  • According to U.S. News and World Report, the top pharmacist-ranked over-the-counter cough suppressants include: 
    • Delsym
    • Mucinex DM
    • Robitussin
    • NyQuil
• Antibiotics for infection caused by bacteria such as bacterial pneumonia and bronchitis
  • Antibiotics will not treat cough caused by viruses such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19
• Inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled steroids to treat asthma and COPD
• Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or nasal inhalers like ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) for postnasal drip 
• Famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac) omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC), lansoprazole (Prevacid, Prevacid 24-Hour), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), esomeprazole (Nexium) to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 
• Pain relievers (analgesics) to treat the pain caused by coughing
• If cough is caused by an ACE inhibitor, your doctor may switch your medicine
  • Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor

If the cough is not serious, home remedies that may help relieve symptoms and get rid of a cough faster include:

• Staying hydrated
• Inhaling steam in a shower or using a humidifier 
• Gargling with warm saltwater 
• Cough lozenges (lozenges are not recommended for young children; they can be a choking hazard)  
• Don’t smoke
• Avoiding allergens such as pollen, dust, animals, or mold 
• Avoiding inhaled irritants such as smoke, dust, and other pollutants
• For GERD: Avoiding foods that increase reflux, avoiding meals before lying down, elevating the head while sleeping