You go to the neighborhood drug store in search of a cough remedy. You are standing in the aisle and notice so many boxes neatly stacked on the shelves staring back at you. Which do you choose?
The choice of which cough syrup you buy depends entirely on the symptoms you need to treat. Two types of cough remedies exist on the market: expectorants and antitussives. Cough remedies also come in the form of combination medicines that are formulated to treat other symptoms in tandem with coughing such as congestion, aches and pains, and fever.
Expectorants are intended to treat a moist cough. The moist cough is caused by mucus caught in the lining of the lungs. Expectorants help loosen the mucus so that it thins out and results in a productive cough. The predominant ingredient in expectorants is guaifenesin. The guaifenesin is suspended in a demulcent, or syrup, to coat the irritated passageways of the throat. Common brand names containing this ingredient include Robitussin, Dimetapp, and Benadryl. Expectorants also contain such ingredients as ipecpac, potassium iodide, sodium citrate, and calcium iodide. These ingredients are not effective in treating the cough itself. Expectorants need to be taken with water and fluids. Side effects associated with expectorants include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Expectorants comprise 20% of all cough and cold remedies.
Antitussives act as cough suppressants. They act on a central nervous system pathway to suppress the cough reflex. This type of medicine is often used for dry, hacking types of coughs. The ingredient that acts to suppress the cough reflex is Dextromethorphan (DM). Common brand names containing this ingredient include Robitussin DM, Drixoral, and Pertussin CS. Some of the common side effects associated with this drug include confusion, agitation, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, upset stomach, and vomiting. Persons taking MAO inhibitors should not use antitussives. Typically, 45% of all cough and cold remedies will contain an antitussive.
Cough remedies may sometimes contain pain relievers that have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce fevers, and body aches and pains. Pain relievers typically contain NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Ibuprofen can cause problems with the liver, and are not advised for those individuals with upset stomachs. Typical brand-name NSAIDs are Motrin and Advil. Acetaminophen, an ingredient in Tylenol-brand products, is gentler and may be used instead by those who have problems taking NSAIDs.
Antihistamines are another component in over the counter combination cough medicines. Antihistamines act to relieve symptoms of sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. Ingredients common to antihistamines include diphenhydramine, brompheniramine, and chlorpheniramine. Diphenhydramine causes drowsiness, and is harmful when taken with alcohol.
Finally, combination cough remedies will usually include a decongestant. Decongestants contain the active ingredient pseudoephedrine, alleviates congestion associated with colds and flu by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of your nose so tissue swelling decreases.
There are several considerations you should take into account while selecting the correct cough remedy.
1. What time of the day will you be using the medicines? Night-time remedies and daytime remedies contain different compositions of ingredients. Night-time remedies typically contain diphenhydramine, which causes drowsiness.
2. What’s in the remedy? The active and inactive ingredients on the packaging have different functions. Active ingredients, usually the first on the list, are the compounds that actually address and treat the symptoms. On the other hand, inactive ingredients don’t treat the symptoms. Chose the active ingredient that will best address your symptoms.
3. Generic drugs and brand name drugs often contain the same types of ingredients, but they may be in different amounts. If the compositions are roughly similar, it will be more economical to choose the generic brands; however, if the generic brand contains a lesser amount of the ingredient necessary to treat the symptoms, you may be better off choosing the brand name remedy.
4. Side effects are a big consideration in choosing the right remedy. Some remedies, if taken in conjunction with other drugs, will impair motor skills, cause gastrointestinal distress, or interfere with other drugs that you are taking.
To treat cough symptoms, the underlying conditions of the cough should be addressed. Choosing cough remedies that contain the appropriate ingredients required to treat the underlying condition will help alleviate any side effects. Remember, if over the counter medications fail to alleviate symptoms after a week, consult a medical professional for further advice and treatment. If you keep these tips in mind during your next shopping trip to the drug stores, you’ll make your life easier and avoid any undesirable side effects from overmedication.
