What is the best antitussive?

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).

When do you use antitussives?

This combination medication is used to treat symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, hay fever, or other breathing illnesses (such as sinusitis, bronchitis).

Is Benadryl an antitussive?

Although the first-generation antihistamine diphenhydramine is classified as an antitussive by the US Food and Drug Administration (Fed Regist 1994;59:29172-4), to the authors’ knowledge it has never been shown to inhibit cough reflex sensitivity in subjects with pathological cough.

What are antitussives and expectorants?

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. Drinking extra fluids also helps keep mucus thin.

Do antitussives work?

Antitussives are medicines that suppress coughing, also known as cough suppressants. Antitussives are thought to work by inhibiting a coordinating region for coughing located in the brain stem, disrupting the cough reflex arc; although the exact mechanism of action is unknown.

Are antitussives effective?

First-generation antitussives in combination with oral decongestants are recommended by the American College of Chest Physicians Evidence Based Guidelines for the treatment of cough in common cold and in the so-called upper airway cough syndrome.

Are antitussives over-the-counter?

There are 2 types of OTC cough medicines: antitussives and expectorants. A common antitussive is dextromethorphan (some brand names: Triaminic Cold and Cough, Robitussin Cough, Vicks 44 Cough and Cold). The only expectorant available in OTC products is guaifenesin (2 brand names: Mucinex, Robitussin Chest Congestion).

Which antihistamine can be used as an antitussive?

CHLORPHENIRAMINE; DEXTROMETHORPHAN is a combination of an antihistamine and a cough suppressant.

Which antihistamine is best for cough?

Conclusions: The H1 antihistamine loratadine reduces cough induced by UNDW. The release of histamine may contribute to the chronic cough in patients with unexplained chronic cough or nasal disease.

Is Mucinex an antitussive?

Mucinex DM. Mucinex DM contains guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan is another ingredient that is commonly found in cold and flu medications. It is antitussive, or a cough suppressant, that’s supposed to work by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that is responsible for our cough reflex.

Is antitussive good for dry cough?

Cough suppressants and expectorants Cough suppressants (antitussives) quiet your cough by blocking your cough reflex. This is helpful for dry coughs that are painful or that keep you up at night.