10 Best Cough Medicines in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Licensed Physician
Persistent coughing can be bothersome and make daily activities difficult. Thankfully, cough medicines can provide an effective solution to relieve cough and eliminate phlegm, enabling you to enjoy your day and have a restful sleep.
To help you make an informed choice, we collaborated with licensed physician Dr. Siselle Fajardo for a guide that breaks down the key factors in selecting cough medicine for kids, adults, dry cough, or any other specific requirement. We also have a list of the top 10 best cough medicines available in Lazada, Shopee, and other popular online stores in the Philippines!
Quick List - Top Cough Medicines
Currently practicing General Medicine and a Resident Physician in different hospitals located in Batangas City.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust Us
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Siselle Fajardo
- What Cough Medicine Is Safe for Pregnant Women?
- When Taking Cough Medicine, Is it Okay to Drink Alcohol?
- When Should You Start and Stop Taking Cough Medicine?
- Help Your Body Build a Strong Immunity
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
How to Choose a Cough Medicine – Buying Guide
Finding the right cough medicine is essential for providing relief and comfort. Whether you're looking for cough medicine for your child or yourself, understanding the key considerations can help you make an informed decision.
Identify the Type of Cough to Know Which Ingredient Is Effective
- Antitussives for dry cough
- If you're experiencing dry, irritating coughs with no phlegm, antitussives or cough suppressants like dextromethorphan can provide relief to that. Dextromephan is also considered a safe ingredient for pregnant women.
- Exptecorants and mucolytics for productive cough
- For cough caused by mucus build-up, taking expectorants and mucolytics is a great way to help push the phlegm out of the body. Guaifenesin is one of the most common(and safe for pregnant women) expectorant ingredients that can help get rid of phlegm and mucus.
- Antihistamines for allergy relief
- If your cough is caused by allergens, antihistamines like cetirizine can provide relief to that. This type of drug can decrease the body’s reaction to allergens and relieve its symptoms.
Explore herbal options if you prefer natural ingredients
- Vitex negundo or lagundi is a popular plant used for its anti-cough and anti-asthma properties. Dr. Siselle Fajardo states that in the Philippines, lagundi is one of the ten approved herbal medicines by the DOH.
Different types of cough require specific active ingredients, so before taking OTC cough medicines, it is best to identify the type of cough you're experiencing. If you have a persistent cough, it is best that you have it checked by the doctor first to rule out any other etiology of the cough. For example, it may be caused by a bacterial infection; hence, other medications may be added to your treatment regimen.
Know the Effective Dosage for Children and Adults
Although the type of active ingredients for children and adults are similar, note that dosages or concentrations differ. Adult cough medications are formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients, which can be harmful and cause overdose in children. Similarly, cough medicines for children have lower concentrations which won’t be effective for adults.
Take, for example, the recommended dosage of guaifenesin's conventional preparation (tablets, syrups, capsules) according to MIMS:
- Children - 6-12 years old, 100 mg 4 times daily; maximum dosage is 400 mg daily
- Adults - 200-400 mg every 4 hours; maximum dosage is 2,400 mg daily
Additionally, Dr. Siselle mentions that the recommended dosage for children is based on weight, dosage of the drug, and frequency. For OTC cough medications, specific dosing instructions are stated in the packaging.
Remember to only take the amount that the pharmaceutical company or your physician recommends. You may be at risk of overdose if you take higher than the amount that is prescribed to you. The right amount is enough for the cough to be treated.
For Kids, Pick a Formulation That's Easy to Administer
Giving or administering medicine to children can be a daunting task for parents, so cough medicines that have appealing flavors are a good choice. Flavorings are generally safe since they can help children be more compliant and adherent to the medications.
Only Purchase from Trusted Brands and Sellers to Ensure the Safety of the Medicine
With the influx of fake products these days, it's imperative that you conduct thorough research and exercise caution. We highly advise that you purchase from brands in the Philippines that are well-known and trusted by consumers.
Dr. Siselle highly recommends buying in local well-established pharmacies to ensure that you are getting top-quality products that are approved by different bodies. In the event that you're buying online, make sure that you're getting your products from official brand pages or official stores of pharmacies.
Before buying medication, always consult your physician first to receive appropriate guidance. We can tell you whether that particular drug is appropriate for your condition. The wrong medication can worsen your condition. Remember to prioritize safety over price!
10 Best Cough Medicines to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredient | Type | Best for | For Kids and Adults | Dosage for Kids | Dosage for Adults | Flavored | |||||
1 | Pfizer Robitussin DM | | Dual-Action Relief for Cough and Chest Congestion | Dextromethorpan, Guaifenesin | Antitussive, Expectorant | Dry Cough, Phlegm | Yes | 5 mL/6 hours | 10 mL/6 hours | Yes; Menthol Cherry | |
2 | Tuseran Night | | Relieves Coughs for a Good Night's Sleep | Diphenhydramine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl | Antitussive, Antihistamine, Nasal Decongestant | Dry Cough, Cold, Itchy Throat | Yes | Children 2 to 6 years old - 2.5 mL/6 hours; 7 to 12 years old - 5 mL/6 hours | 10 mL / 6 hours | No | |
3 | Solmux Advance | | Fortified With Zinc to Effectively Relieve Cough and Boost Immunity | Carbocisteine, Zinc | Mucolytic | Cough with Phlegm | No; For Adults Only | No | 1/6 to 8 hours | No | |
4 | Pascual Lab Ascof Lagundi Syrup｜300 mg/5 ml | | Herbal Syrup for Both Kids and Adults | Lagundi | Herbal | Cough | Yes | 0.25 mL/kg/dose/3 times a day | 10 mL/3 to 4 times a day | Yes; Ponkan | |
5 | Procter & Gamble Vicks Formula 44 ｜15 mg/5 ml | | Provides Fast and Long-Lasting Relief for Dry Coughs | Dextromethorpan | Antitussive | Dry Cough | Yes | 5 mL / 6-8 hours | 10 mL / 6-8 hours | No | |
6 | Trevenodd Corp Plemex Forte｜600 mg | | Herbal Capsules for Safe Relief from Cough and Asthma | Lagundi | Herbal | Cough | No; For Adults Only | No | 1 capsule/3 to 4 times a day | No | |
7 | GSK Sinecod Forte｜50 mg | | Fast-Acting Antitussive Medicine | Butamirate citrate | Antitussive | Dry Cough | Yes | 1 tablet/2 times a day | 1 tablet/3 times a day | No | |
8 | RiteMed Ambroxol Syrup｜30 mg/5 ml | | An Affordable Mucolytic That's Safe for All Ages | Ambroxol | Mucolytic | Cough with Phlegm | Yes | 1 to 2 years: 2.5 mL/12 hours; 3 to 6 years: 2.5 mL/8 hours; 7 to 12 years: 5 mL/8 to 12 hours | 10 mL/12 hours | Yes; Strawberry | |
9 | Robikids | | Sweet Pediatric Syrup for Sticky Cough | Carbocisteine | Mucolytic | Cough with Phlegm | No; For Kids Only | 2 to 5 years: 2.5 mL/8 hours; 6 to 12 years: 5 mL/8 hours | No | Yes; Orange | |
10 | Unilab Myracof | | Affordable Relief for Cough with Phlegm That Works Fast | Ambroxol | Mucolytic | Cough with Phlegm | Yes; Ages 12+ | 1 tablet/8 hours | 1 tablet/8 hours | No | |
PfizerRobitussin DM
Dual-Action Relief for Cough and Chest Congestion
- Provides noticeable relief from persistent cough, stubborn phlegm, and throat irritation caused by continuous coughing
- Combines two active ingredients that work together to calm cough and clear mucus from the airways
- Features a mentholated syrup format that helps ease throat itchiness with a cooling sensation
- Contains Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant that helps reduce brain signals triggering the cough reflex, allowing for longer-lasting comfort
Reviews mention:
People like that it tastes good and works for both dry and phlegmy cough, so there’s no need to figure out which one to take when they have different symptoms. It’s also known to help calm nighttime coughing, making it easier to get some much-needed rest while recovering.
| Key Ingredient | Dextromethorpan, Guaifenesin |
|---|---|
| Type | Antitussive, Expectorant |
| Best for | Dry Cough, Phlegm |
| For Kids and Adults | Yes |
| Dosage for Kids | 5 mL/6 hours |
| Dosage for Adults | 10 mL/6 hours |
| Flavored | Yes; Menthol Cherry |
Relieves Coughs for a Good Night's Sleep
Diphenhydramine HCL blocks the action of histamine, a substance produced by the body in response to an allergen. Phenylephrine HCL, on the other hand, constricts the blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and allowing air to flow more easily. The decongested nasal passages, along with reduced coughing, will enable you to sleep better.
| Key Ingredient | Diphenhydramine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl |
|---|---|
| Type | Antitussive, Antihistamine, Nasal Decongestant |
| Best for | Dry Cough, Cold, Itchy Throat |
| For Kids and Adults | Yes |
| Dosage for Kids | Children 2 to 6 years old - 2.5 mL/6 hours; 7 to 12 years old - 5 mL/6 hours |
| Dosage for Adults | 10 mL / 6 hours |
| Flavored | No |
Fortified With Zinc to Effectively Relieve Cough and Boost Immunity
Together, carbocisteine improves mucus thickness and zinc corrects low zinc levels often seen in respiratory illness. The liquid Solmux Advance Suspension provides even more zinc for added immune support. For a medicine that can provide two benefits, Solumux Advance is a great option.
| Key Ingredient | Carbocisteine, Zinc |
|---|---|
| Type | Mucolytic |
| Best for | Cough with Phlegm |
| For Kids and Adults | No; For Adults Only |
| Dosage for Kids | No |
| Dosage for Adults | 1/6 to 8 hours |
| Flavored | No |
Herbal Syrup for Both Kids and Adults
Lagundi, or Vitex negundo, is an herbal plant used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory illnesses like cough and asthma. Thus, Ascof Lagundi is a medicine that harnesses the plant's medicinal abilities. It decreases the frequency of coughs, relieves sore throat, loosens phlegm, improves mucus consistency, and relaxes airways.
The excellent news about Ascof Lagundi is it's suitable for nearly all ages. Kids as young as two can take this cough syrup, as it has a sweet ponkan flavoring that makes it easy and enjoyable for children to take. There are also other appealing flavors available, which help parents give this cough medicine to their children without the usual struggle!
| Key Ingredient | Lagundi |
|---|---|
| Type | Herbal |
| Best for | Cough |
| For Kids and Adults | Yes |
| Dosage for Kids | 0.25 mL/kg/dose/3 times a day |
| Dosage for Adults | 10 mL/3 to 4 times a day |
| Flavored | Yes; Ponkan |
Provides Fast and Long-Lasting Relief for Dry Coughs
Coming from a trusted household name brand in the Philippines, Vicks Formula 44 can provide long-lasting relief to coughs due to colds or flu. It contains
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, an antitussive that alleviates dry coughs with no phlegm.
Vicks also claims that it can provide relief for up to 8 hours! It's also suitable for both adults and kids 6 years old and above. Take note, though, that this medicine has been observed to potentially cause drowsiness.
| Key Ingredient | Dextromethorpan |
|---|---|
| Type | Antitussive |
| Best for | Dry Cough |
| For Kids and Adults | Yes |
| Dosage for Kids | 5 mL / 6-8 hours |
| Dosage for Adults | 10 mL / 6-8 hours |
| Flavored | No |
Herbal Capsules for Safe Relief from Cough and Asthma
Plemex offers the cough-relieving benefits of lagundi in an easy-to-take capsule form. Though it is also available in syrup form, these lagundi capsules provide a convenient alternative. While originally developed to treat cough and asthma symptoms, Plemex is also used for various lung disorders.
Each capsule contains 600mg of powdered lagundi leaf, a traditional herbal remedy that has been confirmed effective by recent scientific findings and reports. For those seeking an herbal solution, try Plemex Forte!
| Key Ingredient | Lagundi |
|---|---|
| Type | Herbal |
| Best for | Cough |
| For Kids and Adults | No; For Adults Only |
| Dosage for Kids | No |
| Dosage for Adults | 1 capsule/3 to 4 times a day |
| Flavored | No |
Fast-Acting Antitussive Medicine
Sinecod Forte contains butamirate citrate, which is an antitussive or cough suppressant to help relieve dry cough and irritated throat. Interestingly, the drug influences brainstem receptors and reduces airway resistance, improving inflammation.
Once you take a capsule of Sinecod Forte, you'll notice the effects in as fast as 30 minutes. You can also expect relief for up to six hours. Note that this medicine also comes in liquid form, which is ideal for kids.
| Key Ingredient | Butamirate citrate |
|---|---|
| Type | Antitussive |
| Best for | Dry Cough |
| For Kids and Adults | Yes |
| Dosage for Kids | 1 tablet/2 times a day |
| Dosage for Adults | 1 tablet/3 times a day |
| Flavored | No |
An Affordable Mucolytic That's Safe for All Ages
Here's a cough medicine that's suitable for both children and adults, making it ideal for any household. Despite its affordability, RiteMed products maintain a level of effectiveness equivalent to popular brands, thanks to their rigorous quality and safety checks. It's proof that paying less doesn't mean compromising quality!
This cough medicine contains ambroxol, a type of mucolytic that relieves coughs caused by acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract. It is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from high mucus secretions from bronchitis and asthma.
| Key Ingredient | Ambroxol |
|---|---|
| Type | Mucolytic |
| Best for | Cough with Phlegm |
| For Kids and Adults | Yes |
| Dosage for Kids | 1 to 2 years: 2.5 mL/12 hours; 3 to 6 years: 2.5 mL/8 hours; 7 to 12 years: 5 mL/8 to 12 hours |
| Dosage for Adults | 10 mL/12 hours |
| Flavored | Yes; Strawberry |
Sweet Pediatric Syrup for Sticky Cough
It's also available in kid-friendly flavors, making it easier for children to take. Note that as with any medication, side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and skin rashes may be possible, so we highly advise consulting your pediatrician first.
| Key Ingredient | Carbocisteine |
|---|---|
| Type | Mucolytic |
| Best for | Cough with Phlegm |
| For Kids and Adults | No; For Kids Only |
| Dosage for Kids | 2 to 5 years: 2.5 mL/8 hours; 6 to 12 years: 5 mL/8 hours |
| Dosage for Adults | No |
| Flavored | Yes; Orange |
Affordable Relief for Cough with Phlegm That Works Fast
- Includes Ambroxol, a mucolytic agent, which helps break down and loosen stubborn phlegm for easier expulsion
- Provides an affordable alternative to other cough treatments, offering similar effectiveness at half the price
- Breaks down phlegm by stimulating fluid secretion in the airways
- Eases persistent coughing, helping you feel better and resume your daily activities with ease
Reviews mention:
Buyers appreciate that it doesn’t cost much and still works well in helping clear out phlegm. They also note that even though it’s a budget-friendly option, it delivers noticeable results when managing cough.
| Key Ingredient | Ambroxol |
|---|---|
| Type | Mucolytic |
| Best for | Cough with Phlegm |
| For Kids and Adults | Yes; Ages 12+ |
| Dosage for Kids | 1 tablet/8 hours |
| Dosage for Adults | 1 tablet/8 hours |
| Flavored | No |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Siselle Fajardo
Here are some of the most asked questions on the web regarding cough medicines. Read on below to know Dr. Siselle's answers!
What Cough Medicine Is Safe for Pregnant Women?
Pregnant women should be very cautious in taking over-the-counter cough medications. Guaifenesin and dextromethorphan are generally safe to take.
When Taking Cough Medicine, Is it Okay to Drink Alcohol?
No. If you take your cough medications along with alcohol, this combination may cause somnolence, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and impairment in motor, thinking, and judging. This could be very dangerous, especially in situations that require heightened alertness, such as in operations of machinery or driving.
When Should You Start and Stop Taking Cough Medicine?
The duration of use of the medicines depends on your condition, whether it has relieved or improved at least. One may stop taking once symptoms have resolved, but if it is prescribed to you by a doctor, it is best you follow it, and a follow-up checkup should be done for reevaluation.
Remember to consult your physician if coughing persists or has worsened. If it's a cough caused by a chronic illness, your physician should reassess you before stopping any medications prescribed to you.
Help Your Body Build a Strong Immunity
Prevention is better than cure. Before you contract any disease, boost your immune system to help fight off any viruses or infections. A strong body heals faster and you can get back to work or school in no time. Check out these articles to find out more about multivitamins you can take.
9 Best Women's Multivitamins in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
10 Best Multivitamins in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
10 Best Multivitamins for Kids in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pediatrician
10 Best Vitamin C Supplements in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Licensed Physician
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Cough Medicines
No. 1: Pfizer｜Robitussin DM
No. 2: ｜Tuseran Night
No. 3: ｜Solmux Advance
No. 4: Pascual Lab｜Ascof Lagundi Syrup｜300 mg/5 ml
No. 5: Procter & Gamble｜Vicks Formula 44 ｜15 mg/5 ml
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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