Cough suppressant for adults: what to know

A suppressant can quiet the urge to cough for a while. That may be useful when a dry cough is disturbing sleep or leaving the throat sore. It does not remove triggers such as a common cold, airway inflammation, asthma, acid reflux or mucus draining from the nose. A wet cough can help clear phlegm, so suppressing it may not be appropriate without professional advice.

Read the active ingredients carefully. Combination cold products can contain overlapping medicines, and some ingredients may cause drowsiness, nausea or other unwanted effects. Alcohol, sedatives and some prescription medicines can increase sleepiness. Follow the product directions and avoid sharing medicines with another person.

Drink fluids, rest, and use warm drinks to soothe an irritated throat. Avoid smoke and other airway irritants. A pharmacist can help match a product to your symptoms, age, regular medicines and medical history. Mention asthma, breathing disease, liver or kidney problems, and any medicines that make you sleepy. If the cough follows a cold, improvement may take time; review it if it is not settling.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, chest pain, confusion, or coughing blood. Arrange prompt medical assessment for a high fever with worsening symptoms, wheezing, dehydration, or a cough that persists or repeatedly returns. Conditions such as Acute Bronchitis, Asthma and Chronic Cough may need treatment aimed at the underlying cause rather than suppression.

Ask which cough pattern you have, whether a suppressant is suitable, which ingredients to avoid with your medicines, and what warning signs should change the plan. Ask whether reflux, allergies or airway disease could be contributing.