Best Cough Syrups

Cough syrups are lifesavers in persistent cough, sore throat or a congestion. Cough syrups are the liquid medicines for fast relief and cure from cough, help soothe your throat. Fortunately, there are several cough syrups available in India that can provide relief. However, it’s important to note that the best cough syrup varies 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 respiratory issues.

Types of cough

There are different types of coughs. Some are caused by infection, irritation in the airway or thick mucus that builds up in the airway. Therefore there are also different types of cough syrups, some are expectorants, suppressants and others are 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.

How to select best cough syrup?

Best cough syrup is selected on the basis of:

1. type of cough (dry or productive)
2. presence of additional symptoms (e.g., nasal congestion, allergies)
3. dosage strength based on age and weight
4. potential for drowsiness (especially important for daytime use)
5. sugar content (particularly for diabetic patients)
6. possible interactions with other medications
7. duration of use (some syrups are not recommended for prolonged use)
8. customer reviews
9. price and value for money

Best cough syrups for kids and adults

Here is a list of some of the best cough syrups

1. TULEX-G: (Sugar-Free Cough Syrup)

Terbutaline Sulphate + Guaiphenesin + Bromhexine Hydrochloride

DESCRIPTION

• Composition: Terbutaline Sulphate (1.25 mg/5 ml), Bromhexine Hydrochloride (2 mg/5 ml), Guaifenesin (50 mg/5 ml)
• Properties: Sugar-free, expectorant properties.
• Use in: Productive cough, chest congestion.
• Description: Tulex-G is a sugar-free formulation with combination of expectorant and cough suppressant properties.
• Availability: Available in pharmacies with prescription.
• Safety profile: Generally safe, suitable for diabetics.

Tulex-G is a sugar-free cough syrup that is considered to be the best cough syrup for diabetes patients or for individuals who prefer sugar-free options. Each 5 ml of Tulex-G contains 1.25 mg of Terbutaline Sulphate and 2 mg of Bromhexine Hydrochloride. It is recommended for individuals suffering from productive cough (cough with phlegm) as it helps to clear the airways and promote easier breathing. Tulex-G is one of the best sugar-free cough syrup due to its effective combination of Terbutaline Sulphate and Bromhexine Hydrochloride, along with its sugar-free formulation.

Terbutaline Sulphate is a bronchodilator that helps to relax the airways and relieve cough symptoms. It helps in relieving cough and shortness of breath caused by conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Bromhexine Hydrochloride is an expectorant that thin and loosen mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel. It is particularly effective in relieving chest congestion and cough associated with respiratory tract infections.

Tulex-G is available over-the-counter.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Sedation
• Double vision
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Dryness in mouth
• Nervousness
• Decreased appetite
• Heartburn
• Dizziness

2. CUFSY-AD

Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Ambroxol Hydrochloride + Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride

DESCRIPTION

Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide:

• Suppresses cough by acting on the cough reflex center in the brain.
• CUFSY-AD provides relief from dry, non-productive coughs.

Ambroxol Hydrochloride:

• Acts as an expectorant, helping to thin and loosen mucus in the airways.
• Facilitates the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up.

Chlorpheniramine Maleate:

• Relieves symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, itching and runny nose.
• Blocks the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction.

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride:

• Acts as a decongestant by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages.
• Reduces swelling of nasal tissues, allowing for easier breathing.
• Relieve nasal congestion associated with colds and allergies.

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

Asthmol-G Syrup is a best cough syrup with ambroxol, levosalbutamol and guaiphenesin present in it. 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. Levosalbutamol is an inhaled medication used to treat asthma and COPD symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing, along with chronic bronchitis. It open up your airways so that you can breathe better and easily cough out mucus.

Doctors often prescribe this combination of Guaifenesin and Levosalbutamol together because they work synergistically, reduces both inflammation and congestion in the airways at the same time.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Difficulty in swallowing, Hypoesthesia (decreased sensitivity to stimuli)

4. ROPIWAS LC: Best Cough Syrup for Instant Relief

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.

ROPIWAS LC can be prescribed for adults and children with allergy symptoms, and to those who do not respond well to other treatments.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• It is not recommended for use in children of under 3 years due to potential risks of drowsiness.
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this combination.
• If you are allergic, you should be cautious for Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Levodropropizine.
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Nausea
• Headache
• Heartburn

5. SUPRATUSS COUGH SYRUP

Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Guaifenesin + Chlorpheniramine Maleate (Best Cough 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 loosen mucus in the airways so that it is 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 reduces the symptoms of allergies and colds. 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:

1. Relief from dry and unproductive coughs.
2. Thinning and loosening of mucus so that it is easier to cough up and clear the airways.
3. Relief from allergy and cold symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.
4. Supratuss cough syrup improve breathing and overall respiratory function.
5. Improvement in quality of sleep, as coughing and congestion can interfere with restful sleep.
6. Prevents secondary infections, as coughing and congestion 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.

Also Read: Top 10 PCD Pharma Companies in India