The shift to palatable medicine
For decades, taking cough syrup was an unpleasant ordeal due to its strong, bitter medicinal flavor. Today, both over-the-counter (OTC) and natural product manufacturers recognize that taste can significantly impact whether someone, especially a child, will take their medication. As a result, a wide range of options are now available that focus on better taste without compromising efficacy. From soothing honey to fruity flavors like grape and berry, the choices are more appealing than ever.
Flavorful options for adults
Adults have more choices than just the traditional, bitter varieties. Many popular brands now offer formulations designed to taste better, which can be a relief when dealing with a sore throat and persistent cough. Honey-based syrups are particularly popular for their soothing properties and mild flavor.
- Robitussin Maximum Strength Honey: This line of products is often praised for its use of real honey, which helps coat and soothe an irritated throat while masking the underlying medicinal flavor. It’s available for different symptoms, including cough and chest congestion relief.
- Delsym Adult 12-Hour Cough Relief: Known for its long-lasting relief, Delsym is also available in pleasant orange and grape flavors. For many, the pleasant taste makes the twice-daily dose much more manageable.
- Theraflu ExpressMax Severe Cold & Cough: For a berry-flavored option, some find the Theraflu ExpressMax liquid to have a surprisingly good taste that effectively delivers its powerful cold and cough relief. Some note a warming, soothing sensation as it goes down.
- Natural and Herbal Syrups: Brands like Zarbee's Naturals offer honey-lemon or elderberry options that rely on natural ingredients to soothe coughs and improve taste. While reviews on taste are sometimes mixed, these are popular for those seeking a natural approach.
Kid-friendly cough syrup flavors
Getting a child to take medicine can be a battle, so finding a palatable option is key. Many brands have specially formulated children's versions with popular flavors to make the process easier.
- Zarbee's Children's Cough Syrup: This brand often features dark honey, ivy leaf, and zinc, and comes in flavors like natural grape and mixed berry. Many parents report their children take it without fussing.
- Dimetapp Children's Cold & Cough: For a trusted, grape-flavored remedy, Dimetapp is a favorite among parents. It provides fast-acting relief for common cold symptoms, including coughs.
- Mucinex Children's Cough Liquid: Available in a cherry flavor, this option is designed to break up chest congestion and control coughs, all in a taste that is well-received by many children.
- Hyland's Kids Cough Syrup: For parents seeking an organic option, Hyland's offers a grape-flavored syrup that can help with coughs and other cold symptoms.
How to make bad-tasting medicine better
If you or your child are still stuck with a medicine that has a strong or unpleasant flavor, there are several pharmacist-approved tricks to make it more palatable.
- Numb the taste buds: Suck on a frozen popsicle or ice cube right before taking the dose to temporarily dull your sense of taste.
- Chill the medicine: Some liquid medications can be refrigerated (check with your pharmacist first), as cold temperatures can make flavors less noticeable.
- Mix with food (if allowed): Ask your pharmacist if you can mix the medicine with a small, flavorful food like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt. Ensure the entire mixture is consumed to get the full dose.
- Chase it with a strong flavor: Immediately after taking the medicine, have a strongly flavored liquid like fruit juice or chocolate milk to help wash away the aftertaste.
- Bypass the tongue: When giving liquid medicine to children with a syringe, place it near the side and back of the mouth to avoid the main concentration of taste buds.
- Flavoring at the pharmacy: Many community pharmacies offer a service to add professional, child-friendly flavors to liquid medications.
Comparison of popular palatable cough syrups
| Product | Best For | Flavor | Active Ingredient | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robitussin Max Strength Honey | Soothing throat, suppressing cough | Real Honey | Dextromethorphan | Adults (12+) | Pleasant taste, can have a medicinal aftertaste |
| Delsym 12-Hour Cough | Long-lasting cough relief | Orange, Grape | Dextromethorphan Polistirex | Adults & Children | Extended-release formula |
| Zarbee's Children's | Natural, gentle relief | Grape, Mixed Berry | Dark Honey, Ivy Leaf Extract | Children 2-12 | No drugs, alcohol, or artificial flavors |
| Theraflu ExpressMax | Multi-symptom cold relief | Berry | Dextromethorphan, etc. | Adults (12+) | Also treats aches, fever, and sore throat |
| Dimetapp Children's | Cold and cough symptoms | Grape | Dextromethorphan, etc. | Children | Long-standing reputation for good flavor |
Conclusion: Finding your perfect cough syrup
With many flavorful options on the market, finding a cough syrup that tastes good is more achievable than ever. The best choice depends on the specific symptoms being treated and the age of the patient. For soothing comfort, honey-based options are a strong contender. For specific symptom relief, popular fruit-flavored syrups for both children and adults are widely available. Remember to always read the label to ensure the product treats the right kind of cough and is appropriate for the user's age. When in doubt, a pharmacist is an excellent resource for finding a palatable yet effective solution. For more detailed information on choosing cough medications, consult trusted health resources like the Cleveland Clinic.
