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.
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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.
Explore herbal options if you prefer natural ingredients
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.
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:
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.
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.
The market has been infiltrated with bogus products, so it is crucial to only purchase from reliable stores and brands. Remember to prioritize safety over price!
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.
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 | Cough Suppressant, Expectorant | Dry Cough, Phlegm | Yes | 5-10 mL 2-3x/day | 10 mL 6 hours | Menthol Cherry | |
2 | Unilab Solmux Advance | ![]() | Fortified With Zinc to Effectively Relieve Cough and Boost Immunity | Carbocisteine, Zinc | Mucolytic | Cough with Phlegm | No; For Adults Only | 1 tab/6-8 hours | No | ||
3 | Westmont Carbocisteine Solmux | ![]() | Thins Out Stubborn Phlegm for Easier Breathing | Carbocisteine | Mucolytic syrup | Wet or Phlegmy Cough | No;for Kids only | 5-10 ml 2-3x/day | |||
4 | ASCOF Vitex negundo L. Lagundi Leaf | ![]() | Natural Relief for Cough and Asthma Symptoms | Vitex negundo L. (Lagundi leaf) | Herbal cough syrup | Natural cough and asthma relief | Yes | 5-10 ml 2-3x/day | 10-20 ml 2-3x/day | Herbal | |
5 | Ambroxol HCI Mucosolvan Kids 15mg | ![]() | Targeted Mucus Relief for Children | Ambroxol | Mucolytic syrup | Children's mucus and cough relief | No; For Kids Only | 5 ml 2-3x/day | Grape | ||
6 | Unilab Tuseran Forte | ![]() | Helps Soothe Persistent Cough and Cold Symptoms in One Go | Dextromethorphan HBr | Cough suppressant capsules | Dry cough relief | No; For Adults Only | 1-2 capsules 2-3x/day | No | ||
7 | Robitussin Syrup Guaifenesin | ![]() | Chest Congestion Relief with Expectorant Action | Guaifenesin | Expectorant syrup | Chest congestion and mucus relief | Yes | 5-10 ml 2-3x/day | 10-20 ml 2-3x/day | Yes | |
8 | Bactidol Itchy Cough Relief | ![]() | Fast-Acting Relief With Cooling Comfort for Itchy Throats | antihistamine or soothing agents | Itchy dry cough syrup | Wet or Phlegmy Cough, Dry Cough | Yes | 5-10 ml 2-3x/day | 10-20 ml 2-3x/day | Yes | |
9 | HERBYCIN Cough Syrup | ![]() | Herbal Cough Relief with Natural Ingredients | Herbal extracts | Herbal cough syrup | Natural cough and throat soothing | Yes | 5-10 ml 2-3x/day | 10-20 ml 2-3x/day | Herbal | |
10 | GSK Sinecod Forte|50 mg | ![]() | Fast-Acting Antitussive Medicine | Butamirate citrate | Antitussive | Dry Cough | No;Adult/Kids over 12 only | 1 tablet 2 x/day | 1 tablet 3x/day | No |
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 | Cough Suppressant, Expectorant |
Best for | Dry Cough, Phlegm |
For Kids and Adults | Yes |
Dosage for Kids | 5-10 mL 2-3x/day |
Dosage for Adults | 10 mL 6 hours |
Flavored | Menthol Cherry |
Many say this medicine helps break down stubborn phlegm that makes breathing feel heavy. They appreciate that it works without making them feel sluggish, letting them get through the day while still recovering. Others mention the added zinc feels like a quiet boost.
Key Ingredient | Carbocisteine, Zinc |
---|---|
Type | Mucolytic |
Best for | Cough with Phlegm |
For Kids and Adults | No; For Adults Only |
Dosage for Kids | |
Dosage for Adults | 1 tab/6-8 hours |
Flavored | No |
Many parents say this syrup helped their kids cough out mucus more comfortably, especially during bedtime when chest congestion tends to feel worse. Some noted that while the taste isn’t fruity-sweet like other syrups, their kids still managed to take it without much fuss.
Key Ingredient | Carbocisteine |
---|---|
Type | Mucolytic syrup |
Best for | Wet or Phlegmy Cough |
For Kids and Adults | No;for Kids only |
Dosage for Kids | 5-10 ml 2-3x/day |
Dosage for Adults | |
Flavored |
Many users appreciate the natural, herbal approach of this syrup and report that it effectively reduces cough frequency and eases breathing discomfort. While some note that the onset of relief is slower compared to chemical-based syrups, they prefer it for its gentler effects and fewer side effects. Users with asthma-like symptoms find it particularly helpful in managing their cough. The natural taste is sometimes described as strong but acceptable. Overall, it is favored by those seeking herbal alternatives for respiratory relief.
Key Ingredient | Vitex negundo L. (Lagundi leaf) |
---|---|
Type | Herbal cough syrup |
Best for | Natural cough and asthma relief |
For Kids and Adults | Yes |
Dosage for Kids | 5-10 ml 2-3x/day |
Dosage for Adults | 10-20 ml 2-3x/day |
Flavored | Herbal |
Parents commonly report that this syrup is effective in loosening thick phlegm and easing their children’s coughs. The grape flavor is well-liked by kids, making it easier to administer regularly. Many highlight that consistent dosing is important to achieve the best results. Some users mention that it helps reduce coughing episodes and improves their child’s ability to breathe comfortably. Overall, it is seen as a dependable and child-friendly option for cough relief.
Key Ingredient | Ambroxol |
---|---|
Type | Mucolytic syrup |
Best for | Children's mucus and cough relief |
For Kids and Adults | No; For Kids Only |
Dosage for Kids | 5 ml 2-3x/day |
Dosage for Adults | |
Flavored | Grape |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users say it's effective for relieving non-stop coughing, especially when paired with colds and chills. They also highlight how it works quickly and helps them sleep better at night, making it a reliable choice during flu season.
Key Ingredient | Dextromethorphan HBr |
---|---|
Type | Cough suppressant capsules |
Best for | Dry cough relief |
For Kids and Adults | No; For Adults Only |
Dosage for Kids | |
Dosage for Adults | 1-2 capsules 2-3x/day |
Flavored | No |
This syrup is widely appreciated for its ability to clear chest congestion and make coughs more productive. Users report easier breathing and reduced discomfort after use. The taste is generally acceptable, though some wish for a faster onset of action. Many find it reliable for managing chesty coughs and value its safety for both adults and children. Overall, it is a trusted choice for mucus relief.
Key Ingredient | Guaifenesin |
---|---|
Type | Expectorant syrup |
Best for | Chest congestion and mucus relief |
For Kids and Adults | Yes |
Dosage for Kids | 5-10 ml 2-3x/day |
Dosage for Adults | 10-20 ml 2-3x/day |
Flavored | Yes |
Parents report that this syrup provided noticeable relief in as fast as 15 minutes, especially when dealing with dry, tickly coughs late at night. Many appreciated the unexpectedly pleasant taste, with some noting it was better than they initially expected.
Key Ingredient | antihistamine or soothing agents |
---|---|
Type | Itchy dry cough syrup |
Best for | Wet or Phlegmy Cough, Dry Cough |
For Kids and Adults | Yes |
Dosage for Kids | 5-10 ml 2-3x/day |
Dosage for Adults | 10-20 ml 2-3x/day |
Flavored | Yes |
Many users like the natural ingredients and report that it provides gentle yet effective relief from cough and throat irritation. The herbal taste is sometimes described as strong but tolerable. Users appreciate that it causes fewer side effects compared to chemical syrups. It is often chosen by those who prefer herbal remedies, and many find it helpful for managing mild to moderate cough symptoms.
Key Ingredient | Herbal extracts |
---|---|
Type | Herbal cough syrup |
Best for | Natural cough and throat soothing |
For Kids and Adults | Yes |
Dosage for Kids | 5-10 ml 2-3x/day |
Dosage for Adults | 10-20 ml 2-3x/day |
Flavored | Herbal |
Reviews mention:
This product is highly rated for its effective suppression of dry cough, with many users noting significant improvement in cough frequency and severity. It is especially appreciated for helping users sleep better by reducing nighttime coughing. Some report mild dizziness or lightheadedness as side effects, but these are generally rare and temporary. Overall, it is considered a reliable and convenient option for adults seeking long-lasting dry cough relief.
Key Ingredient | Butamirate citrate |
---|---|
Type | Antitussive |
Best for | Dry Cough |
For Kids and Adults | No;Adult/Kids over 12 only |
Dosage for Kids | 1 tablet 2 x/day |
Dosage for Adults | 1 tablet 3x/day |
Flavored | No |
Here are some of the most asked questions on the web regarding cough medicines. Read on below to know Dr. Siselle's answers!
Pregnant women should be very cautious in taking over-the-counter cough medications. Guaifenesin and dextromethorphan are generally safe to take.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
No. 1: Pfizer|Robitussin DM
No. 2: Unilab|Solmux Advance
No. 3: Westmont|Carbocisteine Solmux
No. 4: ASCOF|Vitex negundo L. Lagundi Leaf
No. 5: Ambroxol HCI|Mucosolvan Kids 15mg
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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