The 28 best cough syrup brands
Vicks, Mucinex and Ricola lead our ranking of 28 cough syrup brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Cough Syrup brands, ranked
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1
Vicks
NyQuil night-time and DayQuil day formulas sit alongside Formula 44 for dry coughs and chest congestion.
Top products: NyQuil Intense Flu Multi Symptom· Formula 44 DM
Website: vicks.com |Brands like Vicks
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Mucinex
Large extended-release guaifenesin tablets that thin chest mucus, with a DM version for coughs.
Top products: Mucinex DM· Mucinex Fast-Max
Website: mucinex.com |Brands like Mucinex
Popularity 8.5/10
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3
Ricola
Swiss alpine herb drops rather than syrup, with a mild herbal flavour that soothes throats between coughs.
Top products: Original Herb Soothing Cough Drops· Berry Medley Herb Drops
Website: ricola.com |Brands like Ricola
Popularity 8.0/10
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4
Robitussin
Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin syrups for dry or chesty coughs, plus a drug-free Naturals range for milder use.
Top products: DM Maximum Strength Cough Medicine· Honey Cough+Chest Congestion DM
Website: robitussin.com |Brands like Robitussin
Popularity 6.8/10
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5
Ludens
Menthol throat drops in fruity flavours, more lozenge than syrup, for soothing sore throats.
Top products: Honey Licorice Throat Drops· Wild Cherry Throat Drops· Sugar Free Wild Cherry Cough Drops
Website: ludens.com |Brands like Ludens
Popularity 5.3/10
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6
Zarbee's
Honey-based syrups with a berry flavour, including children's formulas with mucus relief.
Top products: Children's Cough Syrup + Mucus
Website: zarbees.com |Brands like Zarbee's
Popularity 5.2/10
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7
Fisherman's Friend
Strong menthol lozenges with a cooling bite, originally made for anglers and now popular for sore throats.
Website: fishermansfriend.com |Brands like Fisherman's Friend
Popularity 5.1/10
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8
Delsym
Twelve-hour dextromethorphan syrup, one dose for daytime or night, in adult and children's versions.
Top products: 12 Hour Cough Relief
Website: delsym.com |Brands like Delsym
Popularity 4.8/10
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9
Hyland's
Homeopathic cold and cough remedies, including day and night combo packs for children aged two to twelve.
Top products: Kids Cold & Cough Combo Pack
Website: hylands.com |Brands like Hyland's
Popularity 4.7/10
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10
Himalaya
Himalaya's face washes rely on botanical ingredients. The neem foaming face wash is among its most familiar cleansers, alongside an aloe vera moisturizing wash and an invigorating wash with cinnamon bark, lemon peel and honey. Men's face washes sit in...
Website: himalayausa.com |Brands like Himalaya
Popularity 4.4/10
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11
Betadine
Iodine antiseptic throat spray, sprayed directly onto sore tissue rather than swallowed.
Top products: Sore Throat Spray
Website: betadine.com |Brands like Betadine
Popularity 4.3/10
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12
Dimetapp
Children's syrups pairing cough relief with antihistamine for runny noses and sneezing.
Top products: Children's Dimetapp Cold and Cough
Website: dimetapp.com |Brands like Dimetapp
Popularity 4.3/10
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13
Chloraseptic
Phenol spray and lozenges that numb sore throat pain fast, rather than treating the cough itself.
Website: chloraseptic.com |Brands like Chloraseptic
Popularity 3.8/10
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14
Dabur
Ayurvedic herbal cough syrups built on honey and herbs, popular across India and South Asia.
Website: dabur.com |Brands like Dabur
Popularity 3.0/10
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15
Cepacol
Cepacol is the most recognized brand for sore throat medications and is the #1 recommended brand by doctors throughout the USA. It is a fast-acting candy-like tablet that comes in several tasty flavors such as Honey Lemon, Cherry, and Sugar-Free....
Website: cepacol.com |Brands like Cepacol
Popularity 2.8/10
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16
TYLENOL
TYLENOL pain relievers contain acetaminophen and are sold for headaches, fevers and arthritis pain. The range includes cough syrup, cough medicine and travel-size packs for taking on the go. The brand asks users to follow the label and not take...
Website: tylenol.com |Brands like TYLENOL
Popularity 2.6/10
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17
Boiron
Herbal medicines are getting popular now as they are easily available, less cost, and devoid of side effects. They are also easy to prepare, unlike allopathic medicines. Boiron company provides medicines made from natural resources to the patients. Natural medicines...
Website: boironusa.com |Brands like Boiron
Popularity 2.5/10
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18
bliss
Bliss designs skincare and body products under a brand born in New York and backed by a spa. Its lines include the Block Star tinted daily sunscreen, the Fab Foaming Exfoliating Cleanser and the Drench & Quench hyaluronic acid moisturizer....
Website: blissworld.com |Brands like bliss
Popularity 2.5/10
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19
BENYLIN
Benylin cough syrup and cough medicine are sold for cough, cold and flu symptoms, in both solid and liquid forms. Some formulas combine ingredients such as paracetamol and guaifenesin.
Website: benylin.ca |Brands like BENYLIN
Popularity 2.3/10
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20
Pine Bros.
One of the worst ailments is a sore throat. The constant coughing and pain exhaust the person. But what if there is a soother that can mitigate the infection, is not harsh on the throat, and have lovely flavors? Pine...
Website: pinebrothers.com |Brands like Pine Bros.
Popularity 2.3/10
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21
Theraflu
A counter-effective medicine that works on flu and congestion, Theraflu uses necessary ingredients to tackle flu, cold, and other similar nasal symptoms in their treatments. The medications they prescribe are cost-effective and work faster in relieving symptoms based on the...
Website: theraflu.com |Brands like Theraflu
Popularity 2.2/10
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22
GoodSense
GoodSense sells over-the-counter healthcare products at affordable prices, with a range that covers many common needs. Its range spans remedies for allergies, heartburn, joint pain and digestion, plus nicotine gum and multi-purpose ointments. The line includes cold and flu syrups,...
Website: goodsense.com |Brands like GoodSense
Popularity 2.0/10
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23
Efficient Laboratories
Efficient Labs is a family-owned and operated business striving to help families and individuals live their healthiest and happiest lifestyles. The healthcare brand was established in 1983 and has continued to provide several medicines, vitamins, and other healthcare products to...
Website: efficientlabs.com |Brands like Efficient Laboratories
Popularity 1.9/10
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24
Mentholatum
The brand Mentholatum works with different distributors in the pharmaceutical industry and supplies products like health care, beauty, and cosmetics along with a pain relief range. They aim to appeal to an ageless audience regarding styles, fads, and trends. Mentholatum...
Website: mentholatumwellness.com |Brands like Mentholatum
Popularity 1.7/10
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25
Nature’s Way
Nature’s Way provides customers with supplements created only from natural ingredients. They believe in giving people what they are meant to have to ensure their wellness does not get compromised at any stage. Their passion for health has enabled them...
Website: naturesway.com |Brands like Nature’s Way
Popularity 1.7/10
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26
Sambucol
In the present world, taking supplements has become a necessity. Thankfully, Sambucol is here with high-quality supplements that taste good and are made with all-natural Elderberry. These supplements are made to protect your body by giving your immune system a...
Website: sambucol.co.uk |Brands like Sambucol
Popularity 1.7/10
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27
Strepsils
Whether you feel a sore throat coming down or are unwell with a troubling cough, Strepsils has just what you need! The leading brand caters to individuals of all ages and is a well-known brand in the medicinal industry. With...
Website: strepsils.co.uk |Brands like Strepsils
Popularity 1.6/10
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28
Cold-EEZE
It's when you have a cold that you have thoughts like, "I really took breathing for granted." Getting a cold can be a nightmare, and everyone wishes for it to end as quickly as possible. Cold-EEZE is here to achieve...
Website: coldeeze.com |Brands like Cold-EEZE
Popularity 1.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vicks | vicks.com | – | – | – | – |
| Mucinex | mucinex.com | /mucinex | mucinex_us/ | @mucinex | featured |
| Ricola | ricola.com | – | – | – | – |
| Robitussin | robitussin.com | – | – | – | – |
| Ludens | ludens.com | /ludensusa | ludensUSA | @ludensUSA | Ludens |
| Zarbee's | zarbees.com | /zarbees | zarbees | @zarbees | – |
| Fisherman's Friend | fishermansfriend.com | /Fishermans-Friend-INDIA-1444694605594596 | – | – | – |
| Delsym | delsym.com | – | – | – | – |
| Hyland's | hylands.com | /hylandscanada | hylandscanada | @HylandsHealth | HylandsHomeopathic |
| Himalaya | himalayausa.com | /himalayaelorguipligi | himalaya_yarns | @Himalayaiplik | Himalaya Knitting yarns |
Cough Syrup Buying Guide
Cough syrup is a common over-the-counter medication used to relieve cough symptoms. With a variety of options available, it can be challenging to know which one is the best for you. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of cough syrups, key ingredients, and considerations when buying cough syrup.
Types of Cough Syrups
Cough syrups come in different types, each designed for a specific type of cough. Here is a breakdown of the most common types:
- Dry cough syrup: This type of cough syrup is designed to suppress the urge to cough. It contains antitussives, which are ingredients that prevent the stimulation of the cough reflex in the body. Dry cough syrups can come in liquid or tablet form.
- Wet cough syrup: Wet cough syrups, also known as expectorants, help to loosen mucus in the respiratory system. This type of syrup contains guaifenesin or bromhexine, which help to thin the mucus and make it easier to cough up. Wet cough syrups usually come in liquid form.
- Mucus cough syrup: This type of cough syrup is also known as a chesty cough syrup. It is designed to relieve cough symptoms associated with a chesty or productive cough. Mucus cough syrups contain both antitussives and expectorants. These syrups usually come in liquid form.
- Night time cough syrup: Night time cough syrups are designed to help you sleep by relieving cough symptoms that can keep you up at night. They contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness. Night time cough syrups also contain the same ingredients found in other types of cough syrups to relieve cough symptoms. These syrups generally come in liquid form.
Key Ingredients in Cough Syrup
When buying cough syrup, it's important to understand the key ingredients and what they do.
- Dextromethorphan: This ingredient is found in dry cough syrups and is used to suppress the urge to cough. It works by blocking the cough reflex in the body.
- Guaifenesin: Guaifenesin is found in wet cough syrups and helps to loosen mucus in the respiratory system. It works by thinning the mucus, making it easier to cough up.
- Bromhexine: Bromhexine is also found in wet cough syrups and works in a similar way to guaifenesin. It helps to loosen mucus in the respiratory system, making it easier to cough up.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines are found in night time cough syrups and help to relieve cough symptoms that can keep you up at night. They can cause drowsiness, which can help you sleep. Antihistamines also have a drying effect on the body, which can help to relieve runny noses and other allergy symptoms.
- Menthol: Menthol is a common ingredient found in cough syrups and throat lozenges. It has a cooling effect on the throat, which can help to soothe cough symptoms.
- Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is another common ingredient found in cough syrups and throat lozenges. It has a cooling effect on the throat and can help to relieve cough symptoms.
Considerations when Buying Cough Syrup
When buying cough syrup, there are several important factors to consider:
Symptoms
It's essential to match the type of cough syrup to your symptoms. If you have a dry cough, then a dry cough syrup will be more effective. If you have a wet or chesty cough, then a mucus or wet cough syrup is more appropriate. If you have multiple cough symptoms, then a combination cough syrup may be the best option.
Age
Not all cough syrups are suitable for all ages. Children and infants require specific types and dosages of cough syrup that are appropriate for their age. It's crucial to check the label and consult with a healthcare professional when giving cough syrup to children.
Medical Conditions
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any cough syrup. Some cough syrup ingredients can interact with medications or exacerbate medical conditions.
Side Effects
Like all medications, cough syrups can have side effects. It's important to read the label and be aware of any potential side effects before taking cough syrup. Common side effects include drowsiness, nausea, and dizziness.
Additional Features
Some cough syrups may contain additional features, such as flavors or natural remedies, which may make them more appealing or effective. It's essential to check the label and read the ingredients before purchasing cough syrup.
Conclusion
There are several different types of cough syrups available, each designed to treat a specific type of cough symptom. Knowing the key ingredients and considerations when purchasing cough syrup can help you choose the best option for your needs. Always read the label and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.
