Have you ever had to deal with a persistent cough? Developing one can take a lot away from your energy. With every cough, your body exerts a lot of effort.
Add in the fact that it can compromise your breathing; it becomes easy to assume that coughing is among the worst symptoms of sickness you can develop.
Fortunately, for us, multiple pharmaceutical companies have developed effective cough syrup remedies that relieve this common problem fast. However, because there are different formulations available on the market, it can be a challenge to choose the right product.
If you want to end your cough as soon as possible but you don’t know which of your options is the best cough syrup for you, this comprehensive guide should lead you toward the right choice.
Best Cough Syrup Reviews
1. Boiron Chestal Adult Congestion Medicine
Considered one of the best cough syrup formulas on the market, Chestal Adult Honey Cough and Chest Congestion Medicine can get rid of both productive and dry cough. This makes it the ideal cough syrup to have in your medicine cabinet in case anyone in your home develops a bad case of cough.
Another reason why this product ranked high as a cough syrup is the fact that it’s homeopathic.
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Made from natural ingredients, Chestal Cough Medicine reduces the chances of side effects and toxicity. That said, the formula doesn’t cause drowsiness which is a major point of concern for a lot of people who need to use cough syrup on a regular basis.
What’s more, the honey flavor adds a very pleasant touch to the product. This makes it highly favorable for some individuals who don’t like downing a bitter formula. All in all, Chestal Adult Honey Cough and Chest Congestion Medicine is effective for different cough situations, acting fast to relieve the symptom – all while offering a very sweet and tasty flavor.
Pros:
- Non-drowse formula
- Free from dye and alcohol
- All-natural ingredients
- Safe for children two years and up
- Tastes good
Con:
- Expensive
2. Robitussin Peak Cold Non-Drowsy Congestion Relief
One of the best-known brands when it comes to cough syrup is Robitussin. This long-standing and well-established name has provided relief to countless individuals suffering from both dry and productive cough.
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Robitussin Peak Cold formula is non-drowsy, making it a good choice if you plan to head out after a dosage. It’s also very fast acting, relieving even the most annoying cough in just a few minutes after consumption.
A major problem that many have with Robitussin is the fact that it really isn’t palatable. The formula has very little sweetener incorporated into the mix, making it very bitter and difficult to down.
Another issue that some have is that it can cause some significant side effects in some people. Changes in state of consciousness can occur if taken in the wrong dosage.
Pros:
- Reliable brand
- Non-drowse formula
- Offers day and night relief
Con:
- Not for children younger than 12
- Strong flavor
3. Creomulsion Adult Cough Medicine
Another top pick for many consumers when it comes to the best cough medicine is Creomulsion Adult Cough Medicine.
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Containing a high ratio of dextromethorphan, this formula can easily and quickly relieve cough by calming the centers in the brain responsible for the symptom. What’s more, its thick formulation instantly coats the throat to provide instant relief, soothing raw and sore muscles that may be overworked through persistent coughing.
A point of concern for some users however, is that the product does not incorporate any artificial sweeteners, making it very difficult to down. Another concern is that it doesn’t target productive cough, so it’s often only used for dry cough.
Pros:
- No artificial flavor
- Alcohol-free formula
- Safe for children four years old and up
Cons:
- Taste isn’t for everyone
- A bit expensive
4. BUCKLEY’S Original ‘COMPLETE’ Syrup for COUGH
Offering relief against a wide variety of symptoms, Buckley’s Original Complete Syrup for Cough is a product that many people often have in their anti-illness arsenal. While it’s mainly used for cough, Buckley’s can also be used to treat headaches, fevers, chills, and nasal and sinus congestion.
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A distinct characteristic of this product is its strong, minty flavor that works to soothe the throat immediately after intake. Despite this however, the formula has a very strong taste that’s often unpalatable to most. Finally, Buckley’s Original Complete Syrup for Cough is also a pricey choice, costing up to 3 times as much as other cough syrup products on the market.
Pros:
- Fast relief
- Safe for children 12 years old and above
- Works for most respiratory symptoms
Cons:
- Taste isn’t for everyone
- Strong smell
5. Delsym Extended Release Suspension Adult Grape
Compared to most other cough syrup options, the Deslym proves to be one of the easiest on the taste buds. This formula can come in either grape or orange flavor, giving those who can’t handle the inconvenience of downing a bitter formula.
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Deslym is also known for providing effective, long-lasting relief against both productive and dry cough. The extended release formula can suppress cough for up to 12 hours after use, making it an ideal option for those who don’t want to keep taking extra doses later in the day.
However, unlike many other formulations that indicate drowsiness as their side effect, Deslym works much differently. This is one of the few formulas that can cause insomnia, so if you’re using it for a chronic cough, you should weigh your options. Some users have complained that Deslym can cause sleeplessness even during nighttime hours.
If you want to give this product a try, be sure to avoid using it during sleeping hours. You may also want to try out other options if you find that it prevents you from falling asleep especially when you need to.
Pros:
- 12-hour relief
- Free from alcohol and sulfite
- Fast relief
- Tastes good
Con:
- Some users can experience insomnia
6. Beekeepers Naturals B Better Cough Syrup
Beekeeper’s Naturals is a trusted brand globally, and products like the B Better Cough Syrup strengthens that trust even more.
How could it not? It can bring your ears back to normal and make you feel like yourself again.
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The B Better Cough Syrup is a syrup that can provide relief for flu and common cold symptoms. But that’s only half of it.
This syrupy concoction surpasses most others in the same category because of its all-natural ingredients. It is formulated with powerful active ingredients, including Chaga, elderberry, bee propolis, and buckwheat.
The ingredients aren’t just all-natural; they’re as clean and as pure as ingredients can get. Setting apart this homeopathic remedy from the rest is elderberry extract and raw honey to create an incredibly soothing and quick-acting solution.
Relief from flu symptoms aside, the product also offers excellent immune support and respiratory comfort.
Pros:
- Pure nature-based
- Fast-acting
- Safe and clean ingredients
- Trusted brand
Con:
- May not be as effective for sore throat
7. Amazon Basics Care Maximum Strength
AmazonBasics Maximum Strength contains a duo of active ingredients to put it up there with the best of the best.
These are guaifenesin and dextromethorphan, which can take on and bring down the toughest common cold and flu symptoms efficiently.
Maximum Strength can handle the full range of flu symptoms in varying degrees, but that’s just breaking the surface. This product has more to offer.
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Its maximum strength bears emphasis because it could save you a trip to the doctor. It means that the medicine contains a good yet safe amount of dextromethorphan HBr and guaifenesin to put to halt even the most persistent cold.
This product loosens mucus fast for more productive coughing, making it an effective cough suppressant and expectorant.
Twelve hours is all it takes for the dextromethorphan to take effect and rid you of the impulse to cough so you can get a good night’s rest. Guaifenesin is what loosens the phlegm, so late-night coughing fits don’t have to be an issue.
Pros:
- Offers multi-symptom relief
- Cough suppressant and expectorant in one
- Maximum strength
Con:
- Tablets are larger than usual and can be difficult to swallow
8. Betadine Antiseptic Sore Throat Medicated Gargle
Betadine has been around for decades, and it shows in the amount of research that went into this single product for treating common cold symptoms. It delivers the most potent antiseptic action to alleviate cough, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat, and more.
So, if there’s a brand we trust to rid us of an illness, it’s Betadine. Sure enough, their Antiseptic Sore Throat Medicated Gargle doesn’t disappoint as a powerful remedy for flu symptoms, particularly cough and sore throat.
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Aside from this product’s antiseptic power, it has numerous other benefits. Its 0.5 percent of povidone-iodine is powerful enough to kill germs in the mouth and throat.
Also, when taken at the onset of symptoms, it may stop the condition or symptom from progressing further. Even better, its mint brings freshness to the mouth and throat, unlike any other flavor.
Pros:
- Alcohol-free
- Fast-acting
- Multi-symptom relief
- Best for cough and sore throat
Con:
- The taste may not appeal to some users
9. HealthA2Z Mucus Relief
Coughing fits can keep you tossing and turning at night and take away from your focus and performance during the day. HealthA2Z delivers a close-to-perfect remedy for that in their Mucus Relief tablets.
The name says it all “mucus relief.” But is there more to this solution to the common cold than its name suggests?
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As you may have guessed from reading our previous entries on this list, it’s guaifenesin that gives this product its mucus-thinning and loosening power. This active ingredient creates productive coughs to clear your airways and soothe your respiratory system eventually.
There’s more in store where HealthA2Z is concerned, including:
- Reduction in cough intensity and duration
- Improved coughs that dispel more phlegm
- Aids in sleep, which aids in recovery in turn
- Great for the whole family: effective for children ages 12 and up
- The box contains all the directions you need.
Pros:
- Fast relief for cough and sore throat
- Affordable
- Almost comparable to Mucinex, a best-selling product
Con:
- May not be as effective as Mucinex
10. Robitussin Maximum Strength Elderberry Cough + Chest Congestion
It has been proven time and again how trustworthy and reliable Robitussin is as a remedy for flu symptoms, and cough and sore throat are no exceptions. In the Maximum Strength Elderberry Cough + Chest Congestion, the brand delivers an incredibly potent natural solution to the common cold.
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This pack of two contains bottles for non-drowsy cough and chest congestion, respectively. These two symptoms of the common cold and flu often go hand-in-hand, and Robitussin ensures neither disrupts your life at any point during the day.
You’ll find that there’s a bottle for coping with cough and sore throat during the day and another for preventing the coughing fits that stand in the way of a good night’s sleep.
What makes this medicine even better is that you can feel that your condition improves within minutes of taking a dose or after taking the daily prescribed dosages.
Ingredient-wise, it has powerful biological and botanical components that can halt even the most troublesome coughing fits. It even thins and loosens phlegms for more productive coughing.
Pros:
- Fast cough and sore throat relief
- Flavor makes it ideal for the whole family
- Affordable product, considering the benefits
- Daytime and nighttime relief
- Non-drowsy day formula
Cons:
- May not suppress coughing at night
- Elderberry flavor can be unpleasant to some
- Loose mucus can make it difficult to sleep soundly at night
Buying Information for Cough Syrup
Not all cough syrup formulas are made the same. It’s safe to say that a different product may work well on one person, and be completely useless to another. To get the best cough syrup for your needs, be sure to think of these three major factors.
Instant Relief
It’s anyone’s top priority to get rid of a bad cough fast. But not all cough medicines work well to relieve the symptom with speed. This all depends on the ratio of the active ingredient to all the other ingredients in the formula.
If you’re the kind of person who experiences cough only a handful of times in the year, a potent formula could be your best bet, but for those who experience cough much more often, choosing a less powerful medicine should be the best route. This is because while a low-potency formula can take time to provide results, it’s also much less toxic. So, frequent users can avoid the chance of developing long term side effects.
Kind of Cough
There are several different kinds of cough that are caused by multiple various factors. First understanding what is causing your cough will lead you to choose the right formula for your situation. For instance, a cough medicine that’s intended for dry cough may not work well on a hacking cough which requires a different syrup formula all together.
Side Effects
Of course, no cough syrup is without a list of side-effects. Always read the labels and find out how to take your syrup before consuming a dosage.
Many cough syrups can cause marked drowsiness. So, don’t expect to be able to stay awake at work or on the road after taking it. Another thing to remember is that many powerful cough syrup formulas can cause changes in consciousness, especially if taken in copious amounts.
Best Cough Syrup FAQs
1. What happens when you take too much cough syrup?
Cough syrups usually contain dextromethorphan, which can result in breathing problems in adults when taken in excess. It can potentially be life-threatening in children since it could stop their breathing completely and cause them to turn blue, a sign of low oxygen in the blood.
That’s why cough syrups often come with a warning label addressing the ages of children who can take the product safely. If the label indicates, the product is safe for kids ages 12 and up, do not give it to your six-year-old under any circumstances unless directed by your pediatrician.
2. How long is the shelf-life of cough syrup?
After opening a bottle of cough syrup, it should be safe to take for up to 50 days. Beyond that, the syrup’s efficacy and safety may be in question, and it would be best to discard the whole thing.
Generally, a diluted product would have a shelf life of 14 days.
3. How long should you take cough medicine?
Cold medicine, including suppressants and expectorants, generally remains potent and effective up to a month after opening. However, it usually is not recommended to take the daily dose beyond seven days for either of these cough medicines.
4. Should you drink water after taking a dose of cough syrup?
Unless otherwise directed by your healthcare professional, drink lots of fluid after taking your cough syrup. The fluid should help flush out the phlegm in your airways.
5. Can you take cough syrup daily?
When taken accordingly, cough syrup should be safe to take every day. Just make sure not to go over the daily prescribed dose or continue taking the medicine beyond the prescribed treatment period. If not your doctor, make sure always to follow the label.
Which Cough Syrup Should You Choose?
Although a bit more expensive than the other meds on the list, the Boiron Chestal Adult Congestion Medicine is our top recommendation.
Not only does it work for productive and dry coughs, but it’s also formulated for children and adults.
If you want a more affordable option and don’t have children younger than 12, the Robitussin Peak Cold also works great for both types of coughs.