Medications for Dry and Wet Cough

Are you not able to get enough information about your cough medications?

Hold on! Here is all you need to know about medications for dry and wet cough.

There are different reasons behind a cough. Although it can go away without any treatment, sometimes there can be an underlying issue as well. It is better to have a proper examination if you have:

• Persistent Cough
• Increase in the frequency
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Blood while coughing
• Irritation when swallowing
• Heartburn
• Breathing issues
• Extreme weakness or fatigue
• Weight loss without any reason

You must not ignore these symptoms or any other unusual problem that might occur. These signs are not always an indication of some serious illness. Mostly, viral and bacterial infections are the cause behind. Certain medications help during these infections.

Cough can be of different types. Dry and wet cough are among the commons.

What Types Of Cough Are There? This article can give you detailed knowledge about its types.

1 - Dry Cough

It comes with a tickling sensation in the throat. It does not contain any mucus or phlegm. People suffer from discomfort and irritation while going through a dry cough. Treatment and cure to this issue are available.

Dry cough can also be a sign of COVID.

Dig into this amazing article, “Diagnosis and management of chronic persistent dry cough.”

2 - Wet Cough

Mucus with cough means wet cough. While coughing, phlegm in the chest or throat comes out. It is synonymous with productive cough.

Wet cough, if prolonged, can be a sign of bronchitis, COPD, pneumonia, asthma, and cystic fibrosis.

Common OTC Medications:

These are a few medicines are available over the counter at any drugstore nearby to treat cough:

• Benzonatate
• Dextromethorphan / Guaifenesin
• Diphenhydramine
• Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone
• Guaifenesin
• Chlophedianol / Pyrilamine
• Promethazine DM
• Menthol
• Hycodan
• Potassium iodide

Caution: Excess of anything is bad. Ask your doctor before you start taking any of these medicines.

Extra precautions for children are a must. Here is why? Adverse Events From Cough and Cold Medications in Children | American Academy of Pediatrics.

Medications for Dry and Wet Cough

We will discuss different classes:

1 - Antihistamine Medications

Antihistamines can help relieve wet or productive coughs. They work by blocking the histamine receptor. This blockage stops the secretion of mucus.

They belong to anti-allergy medicine. Some allergens are dust mites, pollutants, paint, chemicals, smoke, smog, food ingredient, and seasonal allergies. They can heal coughs due to allergies. Following are the OTC antihistamines:

• Fexofenadine
• Loratadine
• Cetirizine
• Chlorpheniramine
• Brompheniramine
• Diphenhydramine
• Clemastine

Other prescription-based drugs can be given by doctors.

2 - Decongestant Medications

Effective for dry cough. Decongestants dry and reduce nasal swelling makes it easier to breathe. Relief from stuffy nose and postnasal is also a property.

Children suffer from adverse effects. A study shows Visual hallucinations in children receiving decongestants.

Suppose you face difficulty while sleeping due to a clogged nose. Decongestants can aid and provide comfort.

Examples are:

• Oxymetazoline
• Phenylephrine
• Pseudoephedrine

3 - Cough Suppressants

Antitussive or cough suppressants are used during dry cough. They act by suppressing certain parts of the brain that cause reflex. Suppressants alleviate the conditions but cannot treat the root cause.

They are indicated for individuals with severe bronchial illness or smoking.

Examples:

• Dextromethorphan
• Codeine
• Pholcodine

4 - Expectorants and Mucolytics

This class of drugs works by thinning the mucus. Clearing the air passage provides relaxation along with easing respiration.

It provides support for wet or productive cough.

Guaifenesin is the common generic drug as an example of expectorants.

5 - Combination Medications

Expectorants with decongestants, analgesic, and histamine in combination are also available. Some cough includes the ingredients. They serve more effectively in few cases.

Examples:

• Chlophedianol and Pyrilamine
• Acetaminophen and dextromethorphan

6 - Topical Medications

Menthol and Camphor are rubbed over the back or chest to provide comfort from cough or cold.

Have a look at this interesting research Herbal Medicine for Cough: a Systematic.

Several home remedies consisting of herbal and alternative medicine may treat your dry or wet cough.

Take-Home Message

One should never go for self-medications. They may cause harm to you. Some of these medications might also cause dizziness which should not be ignored.

• Stats showing Cough & cold medicine revenue by country 2020.
• Important data manifesting Revenue of the cold & cough remedies market worldwide by country 2019.

(Author’s Bio: Javeria is a fellow Pharm.D student specialized in Professional Health and Medical writing. You can follow her at link.)

References

1. Cough Medicine: Understanding Your OTC Options (familydoctor.org)
2. Cough and cold medications: Active ingredients, types, cautions (medicalnewstoday.com)
3. Dry Cough Medicine: How Dry Cough Is Treated (verywellhealth.com)
4. Cough Medicines | Chesty Cough and Dry Cough Medicines | Patient
5. Wet cough: What it means, treatments, and more (medicalnewstoday.com)
6. Antitussive Cough (DM) Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing — WebMD