What is the difference between cough suppressant and expectorant?

Antitussives are cough suppressants. They relieve your cough by blocking the cough reflex. Expectorants thin mucus. This may help your cough clear the mucus from your airway.

Do I need a cough suppressant or expectorant?

There are two kinds of cough medicines: expectorants and suppressants . 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.

Which expectorant is the best?

Expectorants

What is the most effective OTC cough suppressant?

In 2019, 44% of pharmacists surveyed in Pharmacy Times®’ 2019 OTC Guide® recommended Delsym (dextromethorphan) as a first-line cough suppressant. Another 30% suggested Mucinex DM (guaifenesin/dextromethorphan), and 20% advocated for Robitussin (guaifenesin).

Should you take expectorant at night?

Expectorants are better for breaking up wet, productive coughs, but don’t take them near bedtime. If a wet cough is plaguing you, take a suppressant that includes a decongestant, which can provide relief without exacerbating your cough.

Which cough syrup is best for phlegm?

BENYLIN® EXTRA STRENGTH MUCUS & PHLEGM PLUS COUGH CONTROL Syrup works in your lungs to break up your tough mucus and phlegm, and clear it from your chest. This EXTRA STRENGTH fast-acting syrup is specially formulated to loosen and thin out mucus and phlegm so that you can expel it when you cough.

Is Benzonatate better than cough syrup?

Tessalon Perles (benzonatate) can help relieve a dry cough, but it is not the best treatment if you’re coughing up mucus. Breaks up mucus and relieves cough. Mucinex Dm (Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin) is okay for loosening congestion in your chest and throat, but it could prevent you from coughing the mucus up.

What happens if you take too much expectorant?

Overdose with guaifenesin is unlikely to produce toxic effects since its toxicity is low. Very large doses may cause nausea and vomiting. Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using guaifenesin. All medicines can have side effects.

What’s the difference between expectorants and suppressants?

To Cough or Not to Cough—Expectorants vs suppressants. Expectorants, also known as mucolytics, are medications that thin mucus in the bronchial passages making it easier to cough up phlegm from the lungs. The most common active ingredient in expectorants is guaifenesin which is contained in the brand name medications,…

Is there an alternative to cough suppressants and expectorants?

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.

Which is better Robitussin expectorant or cough suppressant?

The expectorants in certain Robitussin formulas can thin mucus and loosen it, making it easier for your body to cough it up. Certain Robitussin formulas also contain cough suppressants to keep the cough reflex under control.

How are expectorants used to treat a dry cough?

Expectorants work to loosen congestion and help each cough more effectively clear phlegm and mucus from the lungs. Dry coughs, on the other hand, can be treated with cough suppressants. Also see daytime cough, cold and flu combinations, and cough products.