Getting cough once in a while is very common. Everyone has their own way of managing cough. Some of us wait for the cough to subside on its own, while some may try home remedies to treat. There are others who reach for the OTC cough medicines to get rid of the troublesome cough.
Generally cough does not need treatment. If the cough is caused by cold or flu, it will naturally be cleared on its own in few days. Cough medicines may be used if the cough is disturbing your sleep or hampering your daily activities. Cough caused by irritants such as smoke or asthma or chronic bronchitis should not be treated with cough medicines, as the cough is helping you to clear your lungs.
Types of OTC cough medicines
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are the medicines that are sold without doctor’s prescription. Though there are many types of OTC cough medicines, they are mainly grouped under two categories.
Antitussive OTC cough medicines are used to relieve dry cough. These act by suppressing your cough reflexes. Dextromethorphan is the most common antitussive medication.
Expectorant OTC cough medicines act by breaking up and thinning the mucus, and help the phlegm to be coughed out of the body. Guaifenesin is the most common expectorant.
Side effects of OTC cough medicines
Usually OTC cough medicines do not cause any side effects in healthy adults. At times they can cause irritability, giddiness or drowsiness in people who have other health problems, in elderly persons, and in individuals who have been using the cough medicines for a long time.
Drug interactions
Most of the OTC cough medicines come as a combination with other active ingredients meant to relieve congestion in your nose, and also relieve pain and fever. When you take these OTC medicines, ensure that these active ingredients do not interact and cause side effects. The best way is to inquire with the pharmacist or consult your doctor.
It is advisable not to use OTC medications that are meant for the relief of multiple symptoms. For example, if you are using an OTC medicine containing an expectorant, avoid using other medications for relieving pain such as paracetamol or ibuprofen or for relieving running nose such as chlorpheniramine maleate. Also, avoid taking medicines that contain the same ingredients as they may increase the quantities of medicines more than required and cause adverse effects.
Other reasons to consult your doctor
It is very important to consult your doctor before you take any OTC medicines if you have any of the following signs or symptoms.
• If you have elevated body temperature, rash or headache
• If you have any breathing problems such as gasping for breath or panting
• If you are having cough for more than few weeks or have a cough that is recurring.
• If you produce hoarse whistling sound when you breathe
• If you cough thick or yellow/green colored mucus
Points to note on a drug label
You should always read and follow the directions on the drug label and understand what it says before taking the medicine. You need to look for possible side effects or interactions with other drugs you may be taking by reading the warnings section. Also, check that you are not taking two medicines that contain the same active ingredient by going through the active ingredient section. Don’t take higher doses of the drug than recommended. If the label does not clearly state the ingredients or you fail to understand what the label says and have any queries then you need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Potential for abuse
Dextromethorphan, the most common antitussive cough medication treats cough safely when taken in recommended doses. However, teenagers tend to abuse it by taking it in large quantities to get a high. These large doses are around 50 times more than the recommended dose for treating cough. When abused, cough medications may cause side effects such as hallucinations, loss of motor control, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, and disorientation.
Summary
OTC cough medicines are mainly two types. These are antitussives and decongestants. Antitussives suppress the cough and decongestants provide relief from congestion. At times OTC cough medicines may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness or irritation. OTC medicines may interact with the medicines you are taking and cause side effects. Hence you should consult your doctor before you take any OTC medicines if you are already taking medicines for some other condition. You need to consult your doctor if you have a persistent cough or cough with thick phlegm, have fever or have any breathing problems. It is also advisable to read the label of the OTC medication before you take and follow the instructions as advised.
