9 best dry cough medicines

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Coughing is a defense mechanism that helps the airway get rid of irritating particles. When choosing treatment tactics, attention is paid to its productivity. Dry (unproductive) is characterized by the absence of phlegm. Often it precedes a wet one, therefore, to alleviate the patient's condition, they try to translate a dry cough into a wet one.

With bouts of painful dry cough, one cannot do without drugs that suppress it. They can act: centrally or peripherally. Our experts have conducted research and ranked the best antitussive and combination medications for dry cough.

Rating of the best drugs for dry cough

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best drugs for dry cough central action	1	Sinecod syrup	RUB 290
	2	Panatus Forte tablets	170 RUB
	3	Bronholitin syrup	125 RUB
Best medicines for dry cough with peripheral action	1	Libexin tablets	463 r
	2	Falimint dragee	193 r
Best combination medicines for dry cough	1	Stopussin tablets	207 r
	2	Glycodine syrup	108 RUB
	3	Tussin plus syrup	285 r
	4	Terasil-D syrup	RUB 88

The best drugs for dry cough central action

When using antitussives of central action, the effect is achieved by inhibition of the corresponding areas in the medulla oblongata. The active ingredients of this group are divided into narcotic (codeine, ethylmorphine) and non-narcotic (butamirate, glaucine, oxeladin). Narcotic drugs have not been used recently, since they depress breathing, provoke constipation, and also cause addiction.

Sinecod syrup

Rating: 4.9

The first place in the ranking of the best antitussives is given to Sinekod. This Swiss medicine is available in the form of syrup (from 3 years old) and drops (from 2 months). The active ingredient of Sinekod is butamirate. It has a direct effect on the cough center, expands the bronchi, and facilitates breathing.

Take the medicine before meals 3-4 times a day. The clear syrup has a vanilla smell and a sweetish taste. The bottle has a special child-proof lid. There is a measuring cup to help you follow the instructions for use in the instructions.

Advantages

• effectively relieves attacks of dry cough;
• does not apply to opium alkaloids;
• does not form addiction or addiction;
• does not contain dyes, flavors;
• suitable for diabetics.

disadvantages

• may cause drowsiness.

Panatus Forte tablets

Rating: 4.8

The second place in the ranking is taken by the medicine Panatus Forte. The drug is produced in Slovenia by the pharmaceutical company KRKA. One tablet contains 50 mg of citrate butamirate. This form of release is suitable for the treatment of adults and children from 12 years of age, and Panatus Forte syrup is produced for young patients. The drug is appropriate for the relief of dry coughs of any origin.

For adults, such tablets are more convenient to use than Sinekod syrup. In addition, one plate is enough for the minimum course of treatment. Take the medicine by mouth before eating. Panatus Forte works a little weaker than the Swedish counterpart, but still he is able to stop attacks of dry cough.

Reviews about Panatus Forte are mostly positive. Adults are attracted by the fact that the medicine is produced in tablets, and also has an affordable price. It copes well enough with the tasks and at the same time does not cause undesirable consequences inherent in narcotic antitussives.

Advantages

• available in tablets;
• effectively eliminates attacks of dry cough;
• not addictive;
• does not depress breathing.

disadvantages

• may cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Bronholitin syrup

Rating: 4.7

Bronholitin is on the third place in the rating. It is a Bulgarian antitussive syrup containing glaucine with ephedrine. The first substance suppresses the cough center, and the second expands the bronchi, stimulates breathing and, due to the vasoconstrictor action, eliminates the edema of the bronchial mucosa. And the syrup also contains basil oil, which has antimicrobial and antispasmodic effect.

Bronholitin is indicated for the treatment of various pathologies accompanied by dry cough. Suitable for treating children from 3 years old. Syrup is taken orally, after meals. The medicine is a clear liquid with a specific taste and aroma. It causes more side effects than butamirate-based drugs. An increase in blood pressure, heart palpitations, increased sweating, insomnia are not excluded.

In their reviews, patients note that the syrup suppresses a painful cough well, but you need to adapt to take it in order to reduce the number of adverse reactions. Some try to consume it before 4:00 pm to avoid causing insomnia. And to reduce the manifestation of other side effects, even adults drink it not 10 ml, but 5 ml. This is quite enough to stop dry cough and relieve bronchospasm.

Advantages

• effective for dry cough;
• relieves bronchospasm well;
• combined with antibiotics, antipyretic and vitamins.

disadvantages

• ephedrine is a poisonous alkaloid;
• provokes an increase in blood pressure, tachycardia, hyperhidrosis, insomnia.

Best medicines for dry cough with peripheral action

Peripheral antitussives act on the sensitive endings in the respiratory mucosa. They deservedly fall into the rating of the best drugs for dry cough, because they are able to block the peripheral links of the cough reflex due to the following effects:

1. local anesthesia reduces irritability of peripheral cough receptors;
2. expansion of the bronchi suppresses stretch receptors involved in the cough reflex;
3. a slight decrease in the activity of the respiratory center (without respiratory depression).
4. Peripheral action is possessed by prenoxdiazine and acetylaminonitropropoxybenzene.

Libexin tablets

Rating: 4.9

The first place in the ranking is occupied by the Hungarian Libexin. One tablet contains 100 mg of prenoxdiazine. In terms of its effectiveness, it is not inferior to narcotic codeine, but at the same time it does not cause addiction and drug dependence. And with chronic bronchitis, the anti-inflammatory effect of this drug is also noted.

For the treatment of children, these tablets are used with caution. The dose is selected depending on the body weight. After oral administration, the drug begins to act within half an hour, and the antitussive effect lasts for 6-8 hours. The tablet should be swallowed without chewing to avoid anesthesia of the oral mucosa.

According to reviews, Libeksin perfectly relieves the cough reflex. It is an effective symptomatic remedy, especially for a nightly painful cough. Many people note that the tablets are very bitter, and they also make the tongue go numb for a few minutes, so they need to be swallowed quickly. But this is not difficult to do, since they are small in size. In general, Libexin is well tolerated by patients, but if the dosage is exceeded, then drowsiness and weakness are possible.

Advantages

• the effect is equal to the action of codeine;
• does not depress breathing;
• does not cause drug dependence;
• the effect develops quickly and lasts 6-8 hours.

disadvantages

• the tablets are very bitter;
• causes numbness of the mucous membrane in the mouth;
• if the dosage is exceeded, drowsiness and loss of strength are possible.

Falimint dragee

Rating: 4.8

Falimint is next in the ranking. It is produced by the German pharmaceutical company Berlin Chemie. The active component of this drug is acetylaminonitropropoxybenzene. It belongs to antitussives of peripheral action. Eliminates unproductive irritating cough. When absorbed, it creates a feeling of coolness in the mouth and throat.

Falimint is used to treat adults and children over 5 years old. The tablets are not swallowed, but kept in the mouth until they are completely dissolved. They are small, smooth, with a pleasant, but pronounced mint flavor. It is allowed to dissolve this dragee every 2-3 hours, but not more than 10 pieces per day. Coughing fits go away immediately and do not bother for at least 40 minutes.

Often in the reviews, patients praise Falimint for the fact that it relieves coughing fits well, leaves a slight coolness in the oral cavity, but does not dry out the mucous membranes and does not cause numbness. The drug does not cause side effects, therefore it is deservedly included in the rating of the best drugs for dry cough.

Advantages

• eliminates unproductive, irritating cough;
• tastes good;
• does not cause numbness in the oral cavity;
• it is possible for children from 5 years old.

disadvantages

• do not eat or drink within 30 minutes after resorption.

Best combination medicines for dry cough

Combined agents contain not only antitussive components, but also antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictor, mucolytics. They are appropriate for dry cough that occurs against the background of colds. And also in cases where it needs to be transferred to wet.

Stopussin tablets

Rating: 4.9

The first place in the ranking of the best combined drugs is occupied by the Israeli drug Stopussin, produced by the pharmaceutical company Teva. This remedy effectively converts a dry cough into a wet one. This effect is explained by the content of butamirate (antitussive) and guaifenesin (mucolytic).

The drug is prescribed for adults and children over 12 years of age. For babies from 6 months, Stopussin is available in drops. The dosage is selected depending on the body weight. Take the medicine by mouth, after eating. The tablet is not chewed and washed down with a glass of water without gases. Along with suppressing coughing fits, it dilutes phlegm and promotes its discharge.

In the reviews, patients note that Stopussin removes dry, irritating cough well. The drug is deservedly in the ranking of the best, because it is well tolerated and does not cause side effects, if you follow the instructions exactly. But some do not like the specific aroma of the tablets and the pronounced bitterness in the taste.

Advantages

• suppresses an irritating, painful cough;
• converts dry to wet;
• subject to dosages does not cause side effects.

disadvantages

• specific aroma and bitterness of tablets.

Glycodine syrup

Rating: 4.8

In second place in the ranking is the Indian combined drug Glycodin. It contains 3 active ingredients: dextromethorphan (antitussive), terpinhydrate (expectorant), levomenthol (antispasmodic). This medicine is appropriate for acute and chronic respiratory diseases with dry, irritating cough.

Glycodin is used to treat adults and children from 4 years of age. Syrup is a viscous thick liquid with a specific odor. A measuring spoon is attached to the bottle. Since there is a morphine-like substance in the composition, it is important not to abuse the medicine. Otherwise, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, or skin rash occurs.

In the reviews, patients note that this drug deserves to be included in the rating of the best remedies for dry cough. A positive result after taking Glycodin is not long in coming. The barking, painful cough turns into a wet one and after 5-7 days a complete recovery occurs. If the dosages are observed, the drug is well tolerated by any age group.

Advantages

• effective combined composition;
• well relieves attacks of dry cough and translates it into a wet one;
• not addictive.

disadvantages

• during treatment, a specific odor appears in urine and sweat;
• possible drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, skin rashes;
• dispensed by prescription.

Tussin plus syrup

Rating: 4.9

The third place in the ranking went to the American syrup Tussin plus. It contains 2 active ingredients: dextromethorphan (antitussive), guinefenesin (mucolytic). The medicine is prescribed to relieve the symptoms of colds, flu, SARS, accompanied by a cough.

Tussin plus is approved for use from 6 years old. Take it orally after a meal with a teaspoon or measuring cup. It is recommended to drink enough liquid during treatment. The syrup has a bright cherry color and aroma, as well as a sweetish taste. During treatment, urine often turns pink.

According to reviews of those who were able to cure a cough with a cold with Tussin plus syrup, the drug is effective and has a rather pleasant taste. But some are still confused by the presence of dyes and flavors in the composition. Nevertheless, Tussin plus suppresses cough for 5-6 hours and gradually converts it to productive (wet).

Advantages

• effectively converts dry cough into wet;
• does not depress the respiratory center;
• relieves cold symptoms.

disadvantages

• contains dyes, flavors;
• may cause dyspepsia, drowsiness, or allergic reactions.

Terasil-D syrup

Rating: 4.8

In fourth place in the ranking is the Indian syrup Terasil-D. The medicine contains 3 active ingredients: dextromethorphan (antitussive), phenylephrine (vasoconstrictor), chlorphenamine (antihistamine). Terasil-D is prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of dry irritating cough for colds and other acute or chronic respiratory diseases.

The syrup is approved for use from the age of six. The medicine is a yellow, viscous liquid with a fruity aroma and a sweetish taste. The drug relieves coughing attacks well, but each of its components can cause a large list of adverse reactions.

In their reviews, patients note that this is a very effective, but 'hard' drug, which should be used only as a last resort, when there is no other way out. In case of an overdose, Terasil-D causes agitation, increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, dry mouth and urinary retention.

Advantages

• relieves well of a painful dry cough;
• tastes good;
• has antiallergic effect.

disadvantages

• contains dyes and flavors;
• has a long list of possible side effects.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.