Cough syrups are the go-to option whenever someone wants to treat cough and sore throat problems. Though some are available on prescription, most of them are readily available over the counter and provide instant relief.
The winter season makes the human body more prone to seasonal infections, especially cough and cold. It can be either dry or wet cough, but regardless of which one you have, it can hinder your day-to-day work, if not treated on time. While cough takes about a week or two to cure, there are syrups that make the healing process quick. Keeping a pack or two of cough syrups can help you cure cough and cold in the changing season.
Here, we have a list of cough syrups that are easily available and can provide you with immediate relief.
- Dabur Honitus Herbal Cough Remedy Syrup
Dabur Honitus syrup has a 100% Ayurvedic formulation. This cough syrup is packed with the goodness of natural herbs like Tulsi, Mulethi, and Banaphsa, making it a strong cure for cough and throat discomfort. One of the main advantages of this syrup is its clinically confirmed recipe, which provides quick relief from severe cough and throat irritation. So, whether you have a dry or wet cough, Honitus syrup will offer you the relief that you need at that moment.
With no dangerous chemicals or artificial additions, you can be confident that you’re ingesting a safe and natural product. It is available in 100 ml and 200 ml packs.
The Honitus syrup might help you have a good sleep and avoid the continual discomfort caused by coughing episodes.
- Benadryl Cough Formula Syrup
Benadryl belongs to a class of drugs known as expectorants. The main components include ammonium chloride, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, sodium citrate, and ethanol.
- Ammonium chloride – It increases the volume of fluid in the airways, thus, reducing the stickiness of mucus.
- Diphenhydramine hydrochloride – It inhibits the action of histamine (which causes allergic reactions).
- Sodium citrate – It helps in thinning phlegm(mucus) in the lung.
- Ethanol – It serves as a preservative.
The syrup is available in 50 ml, 150 ml, and 450 ml variants. Take this cough syrup exactly as directed by your doctor, shaking well before each use. You may get relief from watery eyes, sneezing, running nose, swelling, and congestion or stiffness.
Note: Some people may face some side effects, including drowsiness and dry mouth. Other than that, symptoms may also include stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation, and nervousness. However, these side effects do not necessitate medical treatment and will resolve on their own.
- Apollo Life Cough Syrup
The cough syrup by Apollo is a now-drowsy and dual-action formula made with natural ingredients like honey and extracts of Tulsi, Sunthi, and Banafsa. Honey soothes your throat, and Tulsi acts as a natural decongestant, which helps in removing phlegm. Banafsa also reduces phlegm, providing relief from blocked sinuses.
The package is available in a 100 ml bottle that is travel-friendly. The main highlighting feature is — this syrup is safe for people of all age groups, including children and adults. A child can consume one teaspoon 2-3 times daily and an adult can consume two teaspoons 2-3 times daily. Though there are no side-effects on pregnant or lactating women, they can take it after consulting with their respective doctors.
- Cofsils Cough Syrup
This cough syrup belongs to a group of expectorants. It contains drugs like diphenhydramine, ammonium chloride, and sodium citrate. It works effectively as it has ingredients that act as antihistamine, which helps in allergic reactions. It also removes mucus from the airways and reduces congestion. The cough syrup might give side effects to some, but they will resolve on their own.
The side effects include:
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Headache
Note: This syrup might show drug-drug interaction [example: antidepressant (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), anti-Parkinson agent (rasagiline)], drug-food (interaction with alcohol) or drug-disease interaction (example: narrow-angle glaucoma, stomach or bowel ulcers, asthma, prostate problems, etc.). Hence, it should be consumed under medical supervision.
- Himalaya Koflet Cough Syrup
With key ingredients like liquorice root, holy basil, and honey, this cough syrup by Himalaya aids in relieving cough and facilitates the mobility of mucus out of the body. Available in a 100 mL package, this syrup has anti-microbial and anti-allergic properties. It is beneficial for people with smoker’s cough and cough due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Besides that, one should take this medicine under medical supervision.
- Zedex Cough Syrup
This particular cough syrup is used to treat dry cough.Zedex Cough Syrup 100 mL is a combination of two drugs, namely — Chlorphenamine maleate, which is an antihistamine, and Dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant. So, basically it helps relieve symptoms of cough, cold, and allergy.Some people may experience dizziness, restlessness, dry mouth, throat, or nose, blurred vision, constipation, or excitation.
Breastfeeding and pregnant women should consult their doctor before consuming this syrup in cough and cold. This syrup is not recommended for children below the age of 2 years. Also, people with health conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, glaucoma, urinary problems, enlarged prostate, phenylketonuria, etc. must inform their doctor if at all consuming this syrup.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Usage
- Choose a reliable cough syrup that has good reviews.
- Choose cough syrup with ayurvedic or expectorant ingredients for fast relief.Cough syrups constituting herbal ingredients do not induce sleep but effectively alleviate cough symptoms.
- Before using, give the cough syrup a good shake.
- Women who are nursing or pregnant should speak with a doctor before using them.
- When giving cough syrups to kids less than 6 years of age, it’s best to see a doctor.
- Always take the prescribed dosage of cough syrup, as directed by your physician.
- Store the cough syrup out of direct sunlight.
Other At-home Solutions to Manage Cough
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids like water and herbal teas. This moistens the throat, thins mucus, and soothes irritation and coughing.
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of honey with freshly squeezed lemon juice in warm water and sip this. Though, this is not recommended for children below one year of age.
- Do steam inhalation for immediate relief from coughing and congestion. You can add eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil to enhance the soothing effect.
- Gargle with saltwater to reduce inflammation and coughing, and soothe the throat.
- Take sufficient rest as this will aid in the body’s healing process.
To sum up, cough syrups come in handy when you are persistently coughing or have a sore throat. These syrups can aid in your quick recovery from a dry or wet cough. There is a syrup for everyone because there are so many options available.
Thus, keep in mind that good cough syrup is a fast and effective way to alleviate congestion and coughing. The next time your cough threatens to ruin your day, opt for a cough syrup that suits you the best. After you select the appropriate syrup and follow the instructions, you’ll soon recover and feel like yourself again.
