What Drug Stops You from Coughing?: A Comprehensive Guide to Relief

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Cleveland Clinic, the quick fix for a cough often starts with a simple lozenge, but more lasting relief requires identifying the right active ingredient. The ideal treatment depends heavily on the type of cough—dry or wet—meaning selecting what drug stops you from coughing is not a one-size-fits-all decision.

Quick Summary

Explore the medications that treat cough, from OTC suppressants like dextromethorphan for dry coughs to expectorants like guaifenesin for wet ones. Understand how these common drugs work to find the correct remedy.

Key Points

Antitussives for Dry Coughs: Drugs like Dextromethorphan (Delsym) suppress the cough reflex and are best for dry, unproductive coughs.
Expectorants for Wet Coughs: Guaifenesin (Mucinex) thins mucus to make a wet cough more productive, helping clear chest congestion.
Prescription Options: For severe cases, a doctor may prescribe benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) or, with caution, a narcotic antitussive like codeine.
Not for Young Children: OTC cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children under 6 and should be used with caution in older children, as directed by a healthcare provider.
Consider the Cause: The best treatment depends on the underlying cause of the cough, which may be different from a simple cold, such as acid reflux or asthma.
Non-Medicated Relief: Simple remedies like hydration, honey (for those over 1), and a humidifier can effectively soothe mild coughs without medication.

Understanding Your Cough: Suppressant vs. Expectorant

Before reaching for a remedy, it is critical to determine the nature of your cough. Cough medicines are primarily divided into two categories: antitussives (suppressants) and expectorants, and they serve different functions. An antitussive is designed to reduce or stop the cough reflex entirely and is best suited for dry, unproductive coughs. An expectorant, conversely, helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making a productive, or wet, cough more effective in clearing congestion. Using the wrong medication for your cough type can make symptoms worse. For instance, using a suppressant on a wet, mucus-filled cough can cause mucus to pool in the lungs.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Cough Medications

For most common colds and minor respiratory irritations, an OTC medication is the first line of treatment. The main ingredients in these products are well-known and target either the cough reflex or mucus production.

Antitussives (Cough Suppressants) for Dry Coughs

Dextromethorphan (DXM): This is the most common OTC cough suppressant found in products like Delsym and Robitussin DM. It works centrally by acting on the brain's cough center to increase the threshold for coughing.
Diphenhydramine: More commonly known as an antihistamine, this drug is also classified as an antitussive and is often found in nighttime cold formulas because it causes drowsiness.

Expectorants for Wet Coughs

Guaifenesin: The only expectorant approved for use in the US, guaifenesin is the active ingredient in products like Mucinex. It works by thinning bronchial secretions, making it easier to cough up mucus and clear the airways. It is important to drink plenty of water when taking guaifenesin to help it work most effectively.

Combination Medications Many OTC products combine both a suppressant and an expectorant. This can be beneficial for those with both types of symptoms, but it's important to be aware of all active ingredients to avoid overuse. Examples include Mucinex DM and Robitussin Cough + Chest Congestion DM.

Prescription-Strength Cough Medications

When OTC options are not sufficient, a doctor may prescribe a stronger medication. These are typically reserved for more severe or chronic coughs.

Benzonatate: Available under the brand name Tessalon Perles, this non-opioid prescription antitussive works by numbing the stretch receptors in the lungs, which helps suppress the cough reflex. It is particularly dangerous if chewed or sucked on, as it can cause localized numbness and potential choking.
Opioid-Based Suppressants: For severe, persistent coughs, a doctor might prescribe a cough syrup containing an opioid like codeine or hydrocodone. These medications suppress the cough reflex very effectively but carry significant risks, including dependence, abuse potential, and respiratory depression. The FDA has issued warnings against their use in children and teenagers.

Safety and Precautions

For Children: OTC cough and cold products are generally not recommended for children under 6 due to safety concerns and lack of proven efficacy. The FDA advises against using them for children younger than 4 and recommends following package directions carefully for children aged 4 to 11. Always consult a pediatrician before giving any cough medication to a child.
For Adults with Health Conditions: Individuals with high blood pressure should be cautious with products containing decongestants, and those taking certain antidepressants (MAOIs) must avoid dextromethorphan due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Potential for Abuse: High doses of dextromethorphan can produce psychoactive effects and carry a potential for abuse, especially among teenagers. Opioid-based cough medications also carry a risk of misuse and dependence.

Comparative Table: Common Cough Medications


Feature	Dextromethorphan (OTC)	Guaifenesin (OTC)	Benzonatate (Rx)	Codeine/Hydrocodone (Rx)
Best For	Dry, unproductive coughs	Wet, mucus-producing coughs	Severe, dry coughs	Severe, persistent coughs
Mechanism	Acts on the brain's cough center	Thins and loosens mucus	Numbss lung stretch receptors	Suppresses cough center in the brain
Side Effects	Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea	Nausea, dizziness, headache	Dizziness, headache, nausea	Drowsiness, constipation, potential for abuse
Precautions	Avoid with MAOIs; abuse potential	Drink plenty of fluids	Risk of fatal overdose if chewed; not for children under 10	High abuse potential; not for children/teens

Non-Medicated Remedies

For many coughs, particularly mild or viral ones, simple at-home care can be very effective and safer, especially for young children.

Hydration: Staying well-hydrated with warm liquids like herbal tea or broth can help soothe the throat and thin mucus.
Honey: A teaspoon of honey in tea can provide natural relief for a sore throat and cough. It should never be given to infants under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism.
Humidifier or Steam: Using a humidifier or inhaling steam from a hot shower can help moisten the airways, easing irritation and loosening mucus.
Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat swelling and irritation.

Conclusion

Choosing the right medication to stop a cough hinges entirely on correctly identifying whether it is a dry or wet cough. OTC options like dextromethorphan for dry coughs and guaifenesin for wet coughs are readily available and effective for many. For severe or persistent coughs, a prescription medication like benzonatate or an opioid-based syrup may be necessary but comes with more significant risks and precautions. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you are selecting the safest and most appropriate treatment for your specific symptoms, especially when considering medication for children or if you have underlying health conditions. Non-medicated remedies can often provide sufficient relief for mild cases. You can read more about cough treatments on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a dry cough, an over-the-counter (OTC) suppressant containing dextromethorphan is typically recommended. It works by blocking the cough reflex in your brain. Delsym and Robitussin DM are common brands.

For a wet, chesty cough with mucus, an expectorant containing guaifenesin (found in Mucinex) is recommended. It helps to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear your airways.

You should consider a prescription medication for a severe or persistent cough that does not respond to OTC treatments. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger, non-opioid antitussive like benzonatate or, in rare cases, a narcotic syrup.

The FDA and medical experts advise against giving OTC cough and cold medications to children under 6 years of age due to safety concerns and lack of proven effectiveness. Always consult a pediatrician before administering cough medicine to a child.

The key is to match the medication to your cough type. Use a suppressant (dextromethorphan) for a dry, unproductive cough. Use an expectorant (guaifenesin) for a wet, chesty cough to help clear mucus.

Yes, honey is a proven natural remedy that can help soothe a sore throat and mild cough, especially when mixed with warm water or tea. However, never give honey to children under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism.

Prescription opioid-based cough medicines, such as those containing codeine or hydrocodone, carry significant risks. These include dependency, potential for abuse, and side effects like drowsiness and respiratory depression. They are not recommended for children or teenagers.

Other effective home remedies include staying well-hydrated, using a humidifier or steam to moisten airways, and gargling with warm salt water to relieve throat irritation.