What Stops Excessive Coughing? Medications, Remedies, and When to See a Doctor

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Lung Association, coughs are a primary reason for doctor visits and can persist for several weeks. Knowing what stops excessive coughing is crucial for finding relief, whether through targeted medications or soothing home remedies.

Quick Summary

This guide explores effective methods for stopping excessive coughing, detailing pharmaceutical options like suppressants and expectorants, alongside various home remedies. Learn how to choose the right treatment based on your cough type and symptom severity, and when to seek medical attention for persistent issues.

Key Points

Identify Your Cough Type: Determine if your cough is productive (wet with mucus) or non-productive (dry) to choose the right treatment.
Choose the Right OTC Medicine: Use an antitussive like Dextromethorphan for dry coughs and an expectorant like Guaifenesin for wet, chesty coughs.
Utilize Home Remedies for Relief: Simple methods like drinking warm fluids, using honey, or inhaling steam can soothe a cough naturally.
Consider Prescription Options for Severe Coughs: For persistent or severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a non-narcotic like Benzonatate or, in rare instances, an opioid-based suppressant.
Know When to See a Doctor: Seek medical advice for a cough that lasts for weeks or is accompanied by fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Avoid Cough Medication for Young Children: OTC cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children younger than 6 years old due to potential risks and lack of proven efficacy.

Coughing is a natural and necessary reflex that helps clear irritants and mucus from the airways. However, an excessive or persistent cough can be irritating and disrupt daily life. The most effective treatment depends on the underlying cause, which can range from a common cold to more serious conditions like asthma, allergies, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Understanding Your Cough Type

Before starting any treatment, it's essential to identify whether your cough is productive (wet) or non-productive (dry). Each type responds to different medications and remedies.

Productive (Wet) Cough: This type of cough brings up mucus or phlegm from the respiratory tract. The goal of treatment is not to stop the cough but to make it more productive and clear the airways.
Non-Productive (Dry) Cough: A dry cough produces no mucus. It's often caused by irritation in the throat and can feel like a tickle. For this type, the goal is to suppress the cough reflex.

Over-the-Counter Medications

For many common coughs associated with colds or the flu, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide effective relief.

Dextromethorphan (DXM): For Dry Coughs

Pharmacology: Dextromethorphan is a non-opioid cough suppressant (antitussive) that works on the cough center in the brain's medulla to reduce the cough reflex. It is used for dry, hacking coughs that don't produce mucus.

Common Products: DXM is a key ingredient in many cough syrups and capsules, such as Delsym and Robitussin DM (the 'DM' indicates dextromethorphan).

Guaifenesin: For Productive Coughs

Pharmacology: Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, which makes it easier to cough up and clear. It is most effective when combined with ample fluid intake.

Common Products: Guaifenesin is the active ingredient in Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion.

Combination and Multi-Symptom Relief

Many OTC products combine a cough suppressant and an expectorant for both dry and wet cough symptoms. Multi-symptom formulas, such as NyQuil, add other ingredients to address associated symptoms like pain, fever, and congestion, which can be particularly useful for nighttime relief.

Prescription Medications

For more severe or chronic coughing that doesn't respond to OTC options, a doctor may prescribe a stronger medication.

Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)

Pharmacology: Benzonatate is a non-narcotic prescription cough suppressant that acts peripherally by numbing the sensory receptors in the lungs and airways. This reduces the urge to cough. It is crucial to swallow the capsules whole without chewing or sucking, as this can cause numbness in the mouth and throat.

Opioid-Based Medications (Codeine, Hydrocodone)

Pharmacology: These are more potent, centrally-acting cough suppressants. They carry a risk of dependence and side effects like drowsiness and respiratory depression. Due to these risks, their use is typically restricted to very severe coughs and should be managed carefully under a doctor's supervision. The FDA advises against giving codeine to children under 18.

Comparison of Cough Medications


Medication Type	Active Ingredient	Best For...	Mechanism of Action	Considerations
OTC Suppressant	Dextromethorphan (DXM)	Dry, irritating coughs	Acts on the brain's cough center	Effective for suppressing the reflex; non-opioid
OTC Expectorant	Guaifenesin	Wet, productive coughs	Thins and loosens mucus	Works best with increased fluid intake
Prescription Suppressant	Benzonatate	Severe, dry coughs	Numb receptors in the lungs	Swallow whole; risk of numbness if chewed
Prescription Suppressant	Codeine/Hydrocodone	Severe, disruptive coughs	Depresses the cough center	Risk of dependence and respiratory depression; not for children

Home Remedies

Alongside or in place of medication, several natural remedies can help soothe a cough and provide relief.

Honey: A spoonful of honey can soothe an irritated throat and reduce the frequency of coughing. One study found it as effective as dextromethorphan in managing coughs. Note: Do not give honey to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
Hot Liquids: Warm fluids like herbal tea, broth, or hot water with honey and lemon can provide immediate, soothing relief by thinning mucus and calming the throat.
Steam Inhalation: Breathing in steam from a hot shower or a humidifier can moisturize the airways and help loosen mucus, especially for a wet cough.
Cough Drops or Hard Candies: Sucking on lozenges or hard candies stimulates saliva production, which can soothe a dry, scratchy throat and temporarily quiet a cough.
Elevate Your Head: For nighttime coughing caused by postnasal drip or acid reflux, propping up your head with extra pillows can help.
Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and loosen mucus.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While many coughs resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a doctor to identify and treat the underlying cause. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

A cough that lasts for more than 7 to 8 weeks.
A high or persistent fever.
Wheezing or shortness of breath.
Chest pain.
Coughing up bloody or discolored mucus.
Severe, sudden-onset symptoms.

For more in-depth information about chronic cough, you can visit the American Lung Association website.

Conclusion

Effectively managing excessive coughing depends on correctly identifying the type of cough and its underlying cause. Over-the-counter options like dextromethorphan for dry coughs and guaifenesin for wet coughs offer targeted relief. In cases of severe or prolonged coughs, prescription medications such as benzonatate or stronger suppressants may be necessary. For many, complementary home remedies like honey, warm fluids, and steam can also provide significant comfort. By understanding the different pharmacological options and natural approaches, and recognizing when professional medical advice is needed, you can find the most appropriate way to stop excessive coughing and regain your comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cough suppressant (antitussive) like dextromethorphan works by inhibiting the cough reflex in the brain, and is best for dry coughs. An expectorant, such as guaifenesin, thins and loosens mucus to help you cough it up, and is intended for productive (wet) coughs.

OTC cough medicines are generally for short-term symptom relief. For chronic cough (lasting over 8 weeks), it is essential to see a doctor to diagnose and treat the underlying cause, which could be anything from GERD to asthma or allergies.

Yes, home remedies can be very effective for soothing a cough. Honey has been shown in studies to be comparable to OTC dextromethorphan for cough relief. Steam and warm fluids also help soothe irritated airways and thin mucus.

You should not use a cough suppressant for a productive cough, as you need to clear the mucus. Most OTC cough and cold medicines are also not recommended for children under six years old. You should also consult a doctor if you have certain health conditions like high blood pressure.

A cough can persist due to many issues, including postnasal drip from allergies, asthma, and acid reflux (GERD). Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors for blood pressure, can also cause a chronic cough.

No, benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) is a non-narcotic prescription cough suppressant that numbs receptors in the lungs and airways.

For a nighttime cough that disrupts sleep, multi-symptom cold and flu medications like NyQuil are often used as they contain antihistamines and suppressants. However, some simple remedies like elevating your head with extra pillows can also be effective, especially for postnasal drip or GERD-related coughs.