What is the difference between cough suppressant and expectorant

Cough suppressants help stop your urge to cough. But, if your cough sounds wet and produces mucus, avoid using a suppressant. Dextromethorphan is the most common over-the-counter cough suppressant. Some cough medicines using dextromethorphan have other ingredients that may cancel out the cough suppression effects, like guaifenesin.

Strong non-productive coughs need a stronger cough suppression that contains narcotic medications like codeine. These medications have other side effects that limit use, including drowsiness and dehydration.

Some cough suppressants contain alcohol. Dry, hacking coughs may respond to honey in hot water, tea, or lemon juice. Do not give honey to children younger than 1 year of age.

Elevate your head with extra pillows at night to ease a dry cough. Try a cough drop to soothe an irritated throat. Expensive medicine-flavored cough drops are not any better than inexpensive candy-flavored ones or hard candy. Most cough drops have no effect on the cough-producing mechanism. Quit smoking. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking. Avoid exposure to inhaled irritants, such as smoke, dust, or other pollutants, or wear a face mask that is appropriate for the exposure.

There are many kinds of face masks. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out which types will give you the most benefit. Expectorants may make it easier to cough up mucus when you have a productive cough. Use an expectorant if you have a cough that produces thick mucus and you are having difficulty coughing up the mucus.

Look for expectorants containing guaifenesin. Suppressants may control or suppress the cough reflex and work best for a dry, hacking cough that keeps you awake. Use cough suppressants wisely. Don't suppress a productive cough too much, unless it is keeping you from getting enough rest.

Coughing is useful, because it brings up mucus from the lungs and helps to prevent bacterial infections. The most common suppressant in over-the counter cough medicine is the mild narcotic, dextromethorphan.

Codeine is a more potent antitussive that is also included in many cough medicines but is only available by prescription. The most appropriate use of a cough suppressant is for a severe cough that is keeping someone up at night or interfering with activities.

Otherwise, the removal of phlegm from the lungs should be encouraged. Combination cold medicines mix a suppressant or expectorant with other medicines to treat cold symptoms. In someone with multiple symptoms cough, body aches, nasal congestion, etc. In some instances, a cough suppressant and expectorant are included in the same medication.

This combination seems to be more of a marketing gimmick than a useful treatment. Alternatives to commercially available cough medicines include increasing oral fluids, breathing in humidified air, and taking a teaspoon or two of honey. They are also available in combination with other medicines, such as pain relievers, decongestants, or antihistamines.

These combination products such as multi-symptom cold medicines are meant to treat many symptoms at the same time. However, if your main symptom is cough, be careful of the drying effect of antihistamines and decongestants in combination medicines. This effect can make mucus thicker and harder to clear from the airways, which can make a cough worse.

Store all medicines up and away, out of reach and sight of young children. Keeping medicines in a cool, dry place will help prevent them from becoming less effective before their expiration dates. Do not store medicines in bathrooms or bathroom cabinets, which are often hot and humid. But sometimes these medicines can cause irritability, sleepiness, or dizziness.

Side effects may be a concern for people who have health problems, are elderly, or use cough medicines for long periods of time. You should stop taking cough medicine and call your doctor if your cough lasts for more than 2 weeks, or if it keeps coming back. Last Updated: September 8, This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone.