Condition guide
Cough
Persistent cough keeping you up at night or disrupting your day? Find the right cough medicine - suppressant for dry cough or expectorant for chesty cough in under 2 minutes.
Find the right medicineTreatment and relief options
- Dry cough: Cough suppressants (dextromethorphan) to reduce cough reflex
- Chesty/productive cough: Expectorants (guaifenesin) to thin mucus; avoid suppressants
- Honey and warm fluids for natural soothing relief
- Stay hydrated to help thin mucus
- Avoid irritants like smoke and strong perfumes
See a doctor or pharmacist if…
- Coughing up blood or pink/frothy mucus
- Severe shortness of breath or wheezing
- Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- High fever with productive cough (pneumonia risk)
- Chest pain with coughing
Good to know
Types of Coughs
Understanding your cough type is key to choosing the right medicine:
- Dry Cough: Tickly, non-productive. Needs a suppressant (like Pholcodine or Dextromethorphan) to stop the urge to cough.
- Chesty Cough: Productive, with mucus. Needs an expectorant (like Guaifenesin) or mucolytic (like Bromhexine) to loosen phlegm.
Honey: Nature's Cough Medicine
Studies show that honey can be as effective as some OTC cough medicines for children. A teaspoon of honey before bed can help soothe the throat and reduce coughing. Note: Do not give honey to children under 12 months.
Frequently asked questions
Dry, tickly coughs can be suppressed. Productive coughs (with mucus) should not be suppressed as they clear airways.
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Medical disclaimer
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for you.