Cough Expectorants

Cough Expectorants

What do you do when you have a nagging cough from a cold? At Walgreens, we offer a full line of cough expectorants for temporary relief of cough and chest congestion. Cough expectorants are formulated with ingredients that help thin down thickened mucous that clogs air passages and triggers cough. These expectorants are available without a prescription for children and adults.

What Is Guaifenesin?

One active ingredient in some cough expectorants is guaifenesin which helps to thin the mucus in your lungs and bronchioles so you can clear it more easily when you cough. Cough expectorants with guaifenesin are available in a variety of forms. Choose from a pleasant-tasting liquid in flavors like grape, honey-lemon or licorice that go down easily as well as expectorants with guaifenesin that are free of alcohol. Some expectorants are enriched with natural herbs that may help soothe irritated airways. You can also enjoy the mucous-thinning benefits of guaifenesin in tablet form that you simply swallow with a glass of water. Looking for a cough expectorant you don't have to take often? Extended-release bi-layer tablets offer up to 12 hours of relief from chest congestion.

Natural Cough Expectorants

Are you looking for a medication-free way to relieve a cough? Homeopathic cough formulas are a popular option for people who prefer a non-medicated approach to relieving chest congestion. Made with natural ingredients, homeopathic remedies are believed by some to help strengthen the body's ability to deal with a particular symptom or disease. More research is needed to confirm that these products are effective. Many homeopathic remedies are formulated around guidelines set by the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. Homeopathic cough expectorants are available in tablet form and as a good-tasting liquid.

Other expectorants and cough remedies are made with natural ingredients, like dark honey and buckwheat honey, which have been used for centuries to ease stubborn coughs. Some natural cough syrups contain added ingredients like vitamin C and zinc that may provide immune support. If you have allergies or food sensitivities, read the ingredient list carefully. Expectorants are available that contain no gluten, artificial colorings or other additives. You'll also discover formulations that are free of sugar and other sweeteners.

Cough Expectorants for Children

Some cough expectorants and syrups are only recommended for adults and kids age 12 and over. Fortunately, a number of kid-friendly cough expectorants are available. Some contain guaifenesin and are available as a melt-away lozenge or an alcohol-free syrup. These products are recommended only for children of a certain age. Talk to your doctor or health care provider and read the directions to make sure a product is appropriate for your child and to ensure you're using the proper dose. As with all medicines, it is important to use these products only as directed and always store them safely out of the reach of children.

Some cough syrups and expectorants for kids contain only natural ingredients like honey and other ingredients without chemical names. These products come with a convenient and easy-to-use dosing cup to make it easy to give your child the proper amount. Your kids can enjoy hours of non-drowsy relief from cough and chest congestion in a form that has a pleasant taste.