Cough Medicine
Walgreens
More information about Cough Medicine
Coughing is the body’s reflex for clearing the throat and helping to remove germs, dust or irritants from our airways. Coughing can be caused by many factors. Illness in the upper respiratory tract is one of the most common causes. These illnesses, such as the common cold or flu, can also cause symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, fever and headache. There are over-the-counter cough and sore throat products available to help manage coughing while your body heals, including cough syrups, lozenges and cough drops, and cough and throat sprays. All of these products are available to purchase in store and online at Walgreens.
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Types of cough medicine
There are a variety of cough medicines available to purchase at Walgreens, and different products may be preferable based on your individual needs and symptoms. Cough suppressants (or antitussives) help suppress the cough reflex in the body, while expectorants help thin out mucus and make it easier to clear mucus when coughing. Other products, such as lozenges, cough drops and cough sprays, can provide gentle temporary numbing to the back of the throat to soothe coughing symptoms through active ingredients like benzocaine and menthol. Children’s cough medicine comes specially formulated for children and should be used with caution. Be sure to read any labels carefully and follow dosing instructions for your child’s age and weight. Do not combine medicines or leave cough medicine within reach of children. Consult with your healthcare provider before giving your child any over-the-counter cough medicine.
What type of cough medicine is best for a dry cough?
Dry coughs usually get better after treating the underlying cause, which may include allergies, asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia. A healthcare provider can help diagnose the cause of your dry cough. To reduce the symptoms of a dry cough, lozenges and cough drops can help soothe the throat, and drinking plenty of liquids can help too. Over-the-counter cough medicines may not be as effective for dry coughs. It’s best to talk with your healthcare provider about the most effective treatment for a dry cough. Visit a Walgreens store or shop online to find products, such as cough drops and lozenges, that can provide some relief from symptoms.
How to get rid of a cough
Coughing is a natural response to illness, and the problem usually goes away as you recover from whatever is making you sick. In the meantime, some over-the-counter products can help, but keep in mind that over-the-counter cough medicine does not treat the cause of the cough. Rather, it can provide relief from symptoms. If your cough lasts for more than a few weeks, or if you experience shortness of breath, fever, wheezing or fainting along with your cough, visit your healthcare provider right away.
Some cough medicine, such as cough suppressants and lozenges, can be safe for some women to use during pregnancy in proper doses. However, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter products during pregnancy, as your individual needs may vary. Getting lots of rest, drinking fluids, and using products such as humidifiers to add moisture to the air you’re breathing, can help manage a cough and other bothersome symptoms during pregnancy.
When to see a doctor for a cold
For most people, a cold usually goes away by itself in about seven to 10 days. If your cold symptoms continue to get worse, you experience shortness of breath, a fever for more than three days, wheezing, or an intense sore throat, consult with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if something more serious is causing your symptoms or if there are other medical problems associated with your cold. While there is no cure for the common cold, over-the-counter products can often help reduce symptoms. Ask a Walgreens pharmacist or team member if you need assistance finding over-the-counter products to help manage your cough and cold symptoms, or chat with a pharmacy expert 24/7 with Walgreens Pharmacy Chat.