Over The counter Drugs for Cough

Introdution for Cough
OTC medications for Cough
Combination of OTC Cough Medications
When to Seek Medical Help for Cough

Introduction for cough

Cough can be referred to as a reflex action of the body to clear the throat and the air passages of the respiratory tract. However, excessive coughing needs the administration of medications or medical attention. Acute cough (lasts for 2–3 weeks) is usually associated with common conditions such as cold, flu or sinusitis, while chronic cough (more than 2–3 weeks) may result due to a variety of causes such as asthma, lung infections, lung disorders, exposure to pollutants, smoking, etc.^1,2

• Expectorants 

• Mucolytics 

• Antitussives 

• Decongestants 

• Antihistamines

Combination of OTC Cough Medications

The OTC cough medications generally include a combination of the different drugs given above. These medications can be used for acute cough, which is not associated with any other underlying disorder. Prompt medical advice should be obtained for chronic cough.^4,5

• Expectorant combinations
• Antitussive combinations
• Narcotic antitussives with expectorants
• Nonnarcotic antitussives with expectorants
• Antitussive and expectorant combinations

• Cough in babies younger than 3 months

• Cough that lasts longer than 2–3 weeks

• Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing 

• Cough associated with high-pitched sound (stridor)

• Coughing out blood

• Cough associated with fever or yellowish-green, thick and foul-smelling phlegm 

• History of heart disorders, swelling in legs, or cough that worsens while lying down

• Cough associated with unintentional weight loss or night sweats