What types of OTC cough medicines are available?
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medicines you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. OTC cough medicines are grouped into two types: antitussives and expectorants. Antitussives are cough suppressants. They relieve your cough by blocking the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan (some brand names: Triaminic Cold & Cough, Robitussin Maximum Strength, Vicks 44 Cough Relief) is a commonly used antitussive. Expectorants thin mucus. This may make coughing work better to clear the mucus from the airway. The only expectorant available in OTC products is guaifenesin (two brand names: Mucinex, Robitussin). Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are sometimes combined with each other (one brand name: Robitussin DM). They are also available in combination with other drugs, such as pain relievers, decongestants or antihistamines. These combination products, such as multisymptom cold medicines, are meant to treat many symptoms at once. However, if your main symptom is cough, be careful of the drying effect of
