How to Choose the Right Cough Medicine

We've all had them: nagging coughs that keep us from getting a good night's sleep, irritate our throats and leave us with a pounding headache. It doesn't have to be that way. Relief can be found in a variety of products. But, before you can choose the best cough medicine, you need to understand a few things about your cough.

Things You'll Need

• Cough medicine
• Honey
• Lemon juice
• Hot tea
• Water

Show More

Instructions

Suppressants

• 1

  Block the reflex. Cough suppressants, or antitussives, alleviate a cough by obstructing the cough reflex. They are most effective when taken for a dry, hacking cough. Adding honey or lemon juice to hot water or tea also can help with dry coughs. Honey is not recommended for children under one year old.

• 2

  Cough to eliminate mucous from the lungs. Coughing is a good thing because it can ward off bacterial infections. If your cough is productive you don't want to suppress it.

• 3

  Avoid overuse. Follow the recommended dosage. Some cough suppressants can be harmful if taken in excess.

Expectorants

• 4

  Break up congestion. An expectorant will thin mucous and make your cough more productive.

• 5

  Flush it out. Drink lots of fluids, particularly water, along with taking an expectorant to make mucous thinner.

• 6

  Head off infections by eliminating the mucous from your chest that can develop in your lungs.

Drug Labels

• 7

  Read the label for side effects and drug interactions when choosing a cough medicine. Refer to the section on warnings and consult your physician or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns.

• 8

  Check the ingredients. Avoid taking more than one medication with the same active ingredient. If the cough medicine contains alcohol or codeine you may want to consult your physician or a pharmacist for alternatives.

• 9

  Follow directions. Take only as directed and check with your doctor if your cough lasts longer than one week.