Best Cough Syrups
Want to know the names of best cough syrup for kids and adults? Are you suffering from sore throat, a cough, congestion, or all three? Read the label carefully to know each composition.
In persistent cough, cough syrups are lifesavers. They help soothe your throat, suppress the urge to cough, and provide relief from the discomfort associated with coughing. Fortunately, there are several cough syrups available in India that can provide relief. However, it’s important to note that the “best” cough syrup may vary depending on individual needs and preferences.
Cough can be a productive cough, non-productive cough, acute or chronic. Acute coughs last for less than 3 weeks, while chronic coughs last for more than 8 weeks. Dry cough is the most common type of cough that may occur after inhaling too much dust or fumes, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, or taking certain medications. You may also develop dry cough if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, upper respiratory infection (URI), colds and influenza flu viruses, sinusitis. Other causes of dry cough include allergies, asthma and polyps in the trachea (windpipe). If left untreated, these conditions can further cause severe illnesses. If you have a cough that lasts longer than 10 days or is accompanied by fever, chills or night-time coughing. These can be signs of a more serious condition, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchitis or bronchiolitis.
Cough syrup soothe the throat and ease breathing. Cough syrups have medicinal properties which help in getting relief from cold, flu, bronchitis, asthma and in other related respiratory issues.
Types of Cough
There are many different types of coughs. Some are caused by infection, irritation of the airway or thick mucus that builds up in the airway.
Cough syrups come in different types, including expectorants, suppressants and combination cough syrups.
Expectorant cough syrups help in thinning mucus and make it easier to cough up. Expectorants increase bronchial secretion and reduce it’s viscosity, facilitating it’s removal by coughing.
Suppressant cough syrups help suppress the cough reflex and provide relief from dry coughs.
Combination cough syrups contain a combination of expectorants and suppressants to provide relief from both productive and non-productive coughs.
The two most common types of coughs are dry cough and wet cough.
BEST COUGH SYRUPS IN INDIA
Here are the top 5 cough syrups in India based on effectiveness, safety and customer reviews:
1. CUFSY-FLU: Best Cough Syrup for Kids in Flu
Paracetamol + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Cetirizine Hydrochloride + Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Menthol (Best Cough Syrup)
DESCRIPTION
Dextromethorphan (DM) is a cough suppressant. It is an NMDA receptor antagonist that is used to treat cough and cold symptoms. It is unlikely to lead to addiction.
Cetirizine Hydrochloride is an anti-allergic.
Phenylephrine is a mild dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that affects blood vessels in the nasal passages.
Menthol is an analgesic that reduces inflammation.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Sedation
- Double vision
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dryness in mouth
- Nervousness
- Decreased appetite
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
2. TULEX-A: Best Cough Syrup for Kids
Terbutaline sulphate, Guaiphenesin & Ambroxol (Best Cough Syrup for Kids)
DESCRIPTION
Terbutaline sulphate + Guaiphenesin + Ambroxol is the best cough syrup combination. Terbutaline sulphate is a bronchodilator which helps in opening up the airways in the lungs and helps in easy breathing.
Guaiphenesin is mucolytic which helps in loosening up the mucus from the lungs and thus easy expectoration.
Ambroxol is an expectorant which helps in bringing out the mucus present in the lungs.
Together, Terbutaline sulphate + Guaiphenesin + Ambroxol makes up a combination which helps in easy expectoration and breathing. It has a soothing effect, reduces the inflammation in the throat and provides fast relief from cough.
INDICATIONS
- Cough associated with acute and chronic bronchitis
- Asthmatic bronchitis
- Emphysema, Active and Passive Smoking
- Pulmonary TB
- Other bronchospastic disorders
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
3. ASTHMOL-G: Best Cough Syrup for Kids
Ambroxol + Levosalbutamol + Guaifenesin (Best Cough Syrup for Kids)
DESCRIPTION
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that loosen mucus in the airways and allows easy breathing.
Levosalbutamol is an inhaled beta-2 agonist that relaxes muscles of the airways, making them more expandable, helping open up the lungs and allow more oxygen into the body.
Doctors often prescribe these drugs together because they work synergistically, reducing both inflammation and congestion in the airways at the same time.
Levosalbutamol is an inhaled medication used to treat asthma and COPD symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing, along with chronic bronchitis. It works by opening up your airways so that you can breathe better and cough out mucus more easily.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
- Difficulty in swallowing, Hypoesthesia (decreased sensitivity to stimuli)
4. ROPIWAS LC: Best Cough Syrup
Levodropropizine + Chlorpheniramine Maleate (Best Cough Syrup for Adults)
DESCRIPTION
Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Levodropropizine is an effective combination for the treatment of dry cough. It is a GMP-certified product.
This combination works as an antihistamine to relieve symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies.
Levodropropizine is a type of sedating anticholinergic drug that works by blocking certain chemicals in the brain. It belongs to a group of benzodiazepines, which also includes diazepam.
It can be prescribed for adults and children with allergy symptoms and are not responding well to other treatments.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
- It is not recommended for use in children under 3 years due to potential risks of drowsiness.
- It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking this combination if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You should not use Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Levodropropizine if you had an allergic reaction to either Chlorpheniramine Maleate or Levodropropizine.
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Headache
- Heartburn
5. SUPRATUSS COUGH SYRUP
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Guaifenesin + Chlorpheniramine Maleate (Best Syrup for Dry Cough)
DESCRIPTION
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide is a cough suppressant particularly useful in dry cough. It works by inhibiting the cough reflex in the brain and reduces the frequency and intensity of coughing.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and expel. It works by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of respiratory tract secretions.
Chlorpheniramine Maleate is an antihistamine that helps to reduce the symptoms of allergies and colds, such as runny nose and sneezing. It works by blocking the action of histamine, which is a chemical produced by the body in response to allergens or viruses.
Benefits of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Guaifenesin + Chlorpheniramine Maleate combination are:
- Relief from dry and unproductive coughs.
- Thinning and loosening of mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways.
- Relief in allergy and cold symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.
- Improved breathing and overall respiratory function.
- Improvement in quality of sleep, as coughing and congestion can interfere with restful sleep.
- Prevents secondary infections as coughing and congestion can weaken the immune system and make the body more vulnerable to bacterial or viral infections.
While dextromethorphan hydrobromide and guaifenesin are non-drowsy, chlorpheniramine maleate is an antihistamine that may cause drowsiness. So it is important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until the effect of the medication. If symptoms do not improve after 7 days or worsen, users should seek medical attention.
* It is important to note that cough syrups are not meant to be used as a substitute for medical care. They should only be used when recommended by your doctor.
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