A bad case of the cough can be more than enough to sidetrack anyone. It’s difficult to get anything done if you have a nasty cough constantly taking away your concentration. So if you’ve recently developed a coughing episode, then you know exactly how this feels.
Coughs can be caused by a plethora of different illnesses and conditions, but the symptom itself can be relieved by a cough suppressant. These products often line the shelves of drugstores because they’re the most commonly purchased over the counter pharmaceutical. With such a wide array of options however, you might find yourself wondering – which is the best cough suppressant for me? Find out how to purchase only the best product for your situation by following this comprehensive buying guide.
Top 10 Cough Suppressant Ultimate Chart
| Picture | Name | Multi-Symptom Relief | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Fisherman's Friend Original Extra Strong Cough Suppressant Lozenges, 40-Count Bags | No | $$$$ | 4.8 |
 | 2. Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant Topical Analgesic Ointment 6 Oz | Yes | $$$ | 4.7 |
 | 3. Dr. Sheffield's Greaseless Vapor Cream Cough Suppressant 1 Oz Each Fast Shipping | No | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 4. Olbas Cough Syrup, 4 oz | No | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 5. Robafen Cough Liquidgels Dextromethorphan 20 Liquidgels by Robitussin Coughgels | No | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 6. Delsym Extended Release Suspension Adult Grape, 5oz Box | No | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 7. Robitussin Extended-Release 12-Hour Cough Suppressant | No | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 8. Robitussin Extended-GoodSense Tussin DM Cough and Chest Congestion , 8 Fluid Ounce | Yes | $ | 4.4 |
 | 9. Boericke & Tafel - Cough & Bronchial Syrup 4 oz | No | $$ | 4.2 |
 | 10. Robitussin Extended-Scot-Tussin DM Cough Suppressant and Cold Relief Maximum Strength 4 oz | Yes | $$ | 4.0 |
Considerations to Make When Buying Cough Medicine
There are many different cough suppressant formulations available, so it can be tough to determine which product really suits your needs. Remembering these three considerations before making a purchase will help you find something that will provide you fast, long-lasting, and safe relief.
- Multi-Symptom Relief. It pays to keep in mind that a cough is only a symptom of an underlying condition or problem. There are lots of different things that can cause a cough, and so understanding first what you have can help you determine what kind of medicine you should purchase.
If your cough was caused by an allergic reaction, a cold, a flu, or any other condition that you may have developed, it would be much better to treat the root cause in order to end the cough for good. However, if your cough was caused by something as simple as a throat irritation, a medicine that targets just the cough can help ease the coughing.
- Suppressant vs Expectorant. There are two types of cough: non-productive and productive.
The dry – or non-productive cough –basically means that it does not come hand in hand with mucus. The second is productive cough, which occurs as a result of too much mucus in the lower respiratory tract. The body coughs as a way to expectorate the mucus and free out the airways.
While some of the best cough suppressant formulations can also loosen mucus, there are others that only target one of the two. It would be much better to avoid a suppressant if you’re experiencing productive cough as this can make it difficult for your body to expectorate the accumulated phlegm.
If you have dry cough, avoid taking mucolytics or even the best expectorant, as this can dry up your system even more and cause bruising later on.
- Side Effects. Most cough syrup formulations are known to cause a variety of different side effects, the most common of which is drowsiness. If you’re on your way to work or if you’re sitting at your desk in the office, it would be counterproductive to take a medication that would cause you to fall asleep. Always consider what side effects your cough medicine might cause before making a purchase to help you prepare for what you may experience after taking a dosage.
Top 5 Best Cough Suppressant Reviews
1. Fisherman’s Friend Cough Suppressant Lozenges
Considered by consumers as the best cough suppressant on the market, Fisherman’s Friend Menthol Cough Suppressant Lozenges targets dry cough by soothing the throat tissues and numbing the irritation that causes coughing. The formula consists mostly of a potent menthol ingredient that works to effectively relieve irritation and relax the throat.
The quick-acting lozenge is designed for instant relief, which means users can experience reduced coughing immediately after taking a lozenge. Most buyers claim that the product worked for several hours after being completely melted, which allows users to experience relief without having to keep taking a new lozenge after each one dissolves.
Fisherman’s Friend Menthol Cough Suppressant Lozenges is sold at a very reasonable price, comparatively cheaper than all the other products on the list. This – along with its effective, safe, and speedy formula – makes it a top pick among buyers who want instant and reliable results to soothe a persistent cough.
2. Vicks VapoRub Topical Analgesic Ointment
Vicks is a popular brand in the cough and cold medicine market, and their VapoRub series has gotten praise and positive reviews among lots of consumers. The Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant Topical Analgesic Ointment makes it at number two on the list for a handful of good reasons.
Firstly, the product is topical, making it very easy for people to use the ointment with ease. The strong menthol scent and burning minty sensation work to soothe and prevent coughs and clear the airways to ease labored breathing. Aside from this, the product can also be used to help relieve different kinds of body aches and pains, including headaches, joint, and muscle pain.
The only issue that some consumers have with this product is that it may be difficult to use on the go. Because layers of clothing can easily blot out the effects of the topical ointment, it’s ideal to use the product if you’re certain that you will be able to expose your chest and sit or lie down for best results.
3. Dr. Sheffield’s Greaseless Vapor Cream
Another top pick for the best cough suppressing remedy is Dr. Sheffield’s Greaseless Vapor Cream Cough Suppressant. Much like Vicks VapoRub, this product is used as a topical cream that provides instant relief against lower respiratory symptoms.
The cream formulation has a very strong menthol smell, leaving a slight burning sensation on the areas where it’s applied. This also gives it a very mild analgesic effect, able to ease moderate body pain. While some users have observed that it’s not quite as strong as the Vicks brand topical cough suppressant, it can be good enough to soothe mild to moderate cases of cough.
4. Olbas Cough Syrup
If you’re looking for an herbal alternative that won’t risk toxicity or side effects, Olbas Cough Syrup could be the best choice for you. This all-natural cough remedy was developed to ease cough caused by colds and minor throat irritations.
Many of the users have sworn by this product because it’s effective, safe, and provides long-lasting relief against even the most severe cases of cough. What’s more, the formula is safe for use on all ages, able to cure coughs even in children as young as two years of age. So if you’re looking for an all-around cough syrup that you can keep at home for both your own use and the use of your children, this may be the right choice.
The only issue with this product is that it may not work on some users. As with all other herbal remedies, chances of efficacy vary from person to person. Be sure to try it first before buying in bulk to find out whether it’s right for your system.
5. Robafen Cough Liquidgels Dextromethorphan
For those seeking a powerful cough remedy that really packs a punch, Robafen Cough Liquidgels Cough Suppressant is a good option. This cough suppressant targets dry cough, and inhibits the cough reflex to soothe the lower respiratory system and relax tired muscles.
For many, the reason why this particular cough suppressant has become a very viable choice is because of its price. Costing just a fraction of other cough remedies and medicines on the market, Robafen Cough Liquidgels Cough Suppressant proves to be a great product for people who want sufficient relief without having to spend as much as they would on other choices.