The 12 best cough syrups

Coughing is a mechanism the body has to clear the airways. When there is mucus caused by an infection, spasm occurs, that is, the body tries to expel this mucus through coughing.

For this reason is that the flu it is almost always accompanied by coughing. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to alleviate the discomfort that this generates; the most recommended are cough syrups that are sold without a prescription and that they are highly effective.

• Related article: "7 home remedies for coughs (natural and effective)"

The best brands of syrups to end a cough

Although coughing is usually not serious, it is very annoying. There are two types of cough, the dry one and the cough with phlegm. In the case of dry cough, the syrups that relieve it work by relieving the throat irritation and in this way, relieving the cough.

• It may interest you: "Dry cough in children: 10 tips to relieve and treat it"

In the case of a cough with phlegm, the syrup to be used is the expectorant. Its function is to reduce mucus and facilitate its expulsion. For any of these complaints, any of these cough syrups are very effective.

1. Vick-44

Vick-44 syrup is effective in relieving any type of cough. Although its effectiveness is better for a dry cough, it also has the property of reducing mucus and helping to expel it. The active ingredient in Vick-44 is Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide and Guaifenesin. In addition, its taste is pleasant and can be used in children from 2 years old.

2. Tukol-D

Tukol-D has syrup for adults and its version for children, both very efficient expectorants. Its active ingredient is Guaifenesin, which helps reduce mucus and expel phlegm. Its advantage is that it has no side effects. It is important not to give the adult version to children under 12 years of age. And if the discomfort persists for more than a week, you should consult a doctor.

3. Bisolvon

Bisolvon syrup is an efficient auxiliary expectorant in other respiratory diseases. The Bisolvon brand offers different versions. Bisolvon Linc can be used for people with asthma, pneumonia, or pharyngitis. The rest of its versions such as mucolytic, infantile or Compositum, are very efficient in reducing and expelling phlegm.

4. Histiacil

Histiacil is a very effective syrup to relieve dry cough. It has different versions, including one for children and one for diabetics without sugar. It is one of the few brands that offers this alternative for free sale. Its biggest advantage is that it relieves cough very quickly, and although it also helps to expel phlegm, its strong point is an irritating cough.

5. Sensibit XP

Sensibit XP cough syrup is also an aid in the fight against allergies. This syrup can be very useful for those who are experiencing a seasonal or other allergy episode. Its active compounds are Ambroxol and Loratadine. It can be used in children over 2 years old, always with the supervision of a doctor.

6. Mucosan

Mucosan is one of the best cough syrups. Its active ingredient is ambroxol, it is very effective in fighting coughs with phlegm and helping them to be expelled. The Mucosan brand has different versions, so the appropriate one should be used according to age and specific symptoms.

7. Hylands

Hylands is a natural alternative to combat cough. Its products are especially aimed at babies and children, but it is always recommended that they are under medical supervision. Although they also have some presentations for adults, the truth is that Hylands is a very effective cough syrup for babies. This syrup is not marketed in many parts of the world.

8. Iniston

Iniston syrups offer a wide variety to combat all types of coughs. It has presentations for dry cough, with phlegm and also for nasal congestion. This makes it one of the most complete and effective syrups to combat not only coughs but also the ailments caused by the flu and cold.

9. Broncosan

Broncosan is a natural alternative to combat cough. Thanks to its components, such as honey and pine, in addition to fighting dry cough and phlegm, it helps to strengthen the immune system. It also helps speed up the body's recovery process from a cold or flu episode. Although its taste is not very pleasant. Broncosan syrups are not easily found in various parts of the world.

10. Thessalon

Tesalon cough syrups are among the best for treating children's coughs. Although they have an adult version that is also effective, dry and phlegm cough syrups work very well to relieve coughs in children. Its compounds are ambroxol and oxeladin. Although these are syrups for children, it should not be administered to children under 2 years of age.

11. Broncolin

Broncolin syrup is a cough syrup made with natural compounds. The syrups in this line are made from ingredients typical of Mexican herbalism. In addition to honey and propolis, it contains menthol, mullein, elderberry, eucalyptus, and pollen from various flowers. It tastes good so it is ideal and safe for relieving children's coughs. The Broncolín brand is not marketed outside of Latin America.

12. Panoto-s

Panoto-S cough syrup is one of the least reported side effects. Although on the other hand its sugar concentration is very high, so it should not be used in patients with diabetes. Its ingredients allow, in addition to fighting phlegm or dry coughs, relieve other symptoms caused by allergies and respiratory diseases. If the cough persists after 5 days, it is best to see a doctor.

Bibliographic references

• Irwin RS, Glomb WB, Chang AB. (2006). Habit cough, tic cough, and psychogenic cough in adult and pediatric populations: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 129 (1 Suppl): 174S-179S.

• Lamasa, Adelaide; Ruiz de Valbuena, Marta; Máiz, Luis (2014). Cough in the child ». Arch Bronconeumol 2014; 50: - Vol. 50 No. 7 DOI: (Madrid, Spain: SEPAR) 50 (7).

• Pavord ID, Chung KF. (2008). Management of chronic cough. Lancet. 371 (9621): 1375–84.