Best cough syrups for adults: 6 top picks for relief

Cough can leave your throat feeling as dry as sandpaper, disrupt your sleep and cause discomfort. Many people turn to over-the-counter cough syrups for relief. These are packed with active ingredients, which can provide temporary relief from respiratory issues. They generally contain antitussives, expectorants, decongestants, botanical extracts and antihistamines. These ingredients work to suppress the cough reflex, loosen mucus in the airways, reduce nasal congestion and alleviate symptoms like sneezing and itching. Cough syrups act on the cough centre in the brain, reduce the urge to cough, promote clearer breathing, constrict blood vessels in the nasal passage, and reduce swelling and congestion to alleviate stuffy nose and sinus pressure. We have curated a list of the best cough syrups for adults, which you may try to alleviate pain and discomfort.

6 best cough syrups for adults

Here is a list of the best cough syrups in India, which you may try for comfort. But it may be best to consult your healthcare expert in case you have a health concern or chronic cough.

1. Charak Kofol Cough Syrup

Take the Ayurvedic route to get relief from cough by using this cough syrup from Charak. This bottle of 100 milliliters contains various herbs, which can help heal your throat from soreness and pain. It is formulated using tulsi, shunti, harida, vasa, bibhitaki and yashtimadhu. This non-drowsy cough syrup is beneficial for wet and dry coughs. It may also help optimize your immune system, providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. This product may also leave a cooling and soothing effect while treating your cough.

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2. Waterbury’s Compound A-Provides Quick Relief from Cold & Cough

Are you looking for a non-drowsy cough syrup? Try this one from Waterbury’s Compound as it claims to provide relief from the common cold, cough and running nose without causing drowsiness. It may even provide relief from allergy bronchitis and boost your immunity. This cough syrup is packed with the goodness of 12 herbal ingredients like tulsi, haritaki, pipali, maricha, shirisha and more.

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3. Cipla Cofsils Naturals Syrup

Cipla Cofsils Naturals Syrup promises to provide relief from cough. It is formulated using natural ingredients like tulsi, honey, munkka, pipali, haldi, vasa and more. Consistent use of this syrup may help soothe throat soreness, reduce throat pain and offer relief from chest congestion. The brand also claims that this syrup will not cause any side effects, is free from alcohol, and will not lead to drowsiness.

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4. Himalaya Koflet Cough Syrup

Are you looking for the best cough syrups for dry cough? The Himalaya Koflet Cough Syrup might be a good choice for you! This 100 milliliter bottle is packed with natural extracts like draksha, vasaka, triphala, neelapushpa and more. It comes with a cold balm. The brand claims that this product can provide relief from dry and allergic coughs, soothe the throat, reduce inflammation and clear nose congestion.

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5. Hamdard Joshina Cough Syrup

Ease your throat discomfort by using this cough syrup from Hamdard. It is specially formulated to provide comfort and promote respiratory well-being. This cough syrup is enriched with the goodness of mulethi, unnab, amaltas and tulsi, which may help relieve throat soreness and pain. The brand claims that this product has a non-drowsy formula and is free from alcohol.

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6. Dabur Honitus Cough Syrup

Dabur Honitus Cough Syrup is formulated using ingredients like honey, tulsi, mulethi, sunthi and banaphsa. It may help relieve cough, and throat irritation and provide comfort. This honey-based Ayurvedic cough syrup promises to provide fast relief without causing any drowsiness. The brand also claims that this product is free from alcohol, which makes it safe to consume.

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What are the benefits of using the best cough syrups for adults?

• Provides relief: Cough syrups are formulated to provide soothing relief from coughs. They are packed with ingredients like codeine, which can help suppress the cough reflex, reduce the urge to cough and allow your body to heal. A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine states that cough syrups that contain codeine, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin can provide relief from coughing symptoms.
• Helps loosen mucus: Excessive mucus buildup can exacerbate coughing and congestion. Suros containing expectorants can help to thin and loosen mucus, which makes it easier to expel through coughing and promotes a clearer airway.
• Gives relief from nasal congestion: Most cough syrups contain decongestants, which can help shrink the swollen nasal passages and reduce congestion. It can provide relief from stuffiness and sinus pressure.
• Combats allergic symptoms: By blocking the effects of histamine, the best cough syrups can help alleviate allergy-related respiratory discomfort.
• Promotes restful sleep: Persistent coughing can disrupt your sleep and make you feel fatigued and irritable. These syrups may help restore your sleep and promote your overall health and well-being.

How to choose the best cough syrups?

• Understand your symptoms: The first step is to identify your symptoms. Are you experiencing a dry cough or is your cough accompanied by mucus? Understand your symptoms as it will help you choose the right syrup.
• Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredients list of the product and ensure that it contains antitussives, expectorants, decongestants and antihistamines. Choose a product that aligns with your symptoms and needs.
• Formulation: Consider the formulation of the syrup as it comes in various formulations like liquids, pills and powders.
• Additional features: Make sure to buy a product that is free from sugar and alcohol and is labelled as “non-drowsy”.
• Recommendations: Consider visiting your healthcare provider to seek professional help. They will provide you with personalised recommendations based on your needs and help ensure the safe and effective use of cough syrup.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Are cough syrups effective?
  A study published in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences mentioned that natural antitussive cough syrups can help manage the cough. It can relieve cough, reduce airway inflammation and promote overall well-being.

• What is the recommended dosage of cough syrup?
  According to a study published in StatPearls, it is recommended to take two teaspoons of cough syrups that contain Dextromethorphan, an FDA-approved cough suppressant.

• Can cough syrups cause drowsiness?
  According to StatPearls, some common adverse effects of cough suppressants include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, drowsiness and dizziness.

Consult your healthcare provider before taking cough syrups. It will help you prevent the risk of any possible side effects.

(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)

Best cough syrups for adults

Top Features Compared	Quantity	Recommended dosage
Charak Pharma Kofol Ayurvedic Cough Syrup With Goodness of Haridra, Sunthi, Bibhitaki, Yastimadhu, Vasa & Tulsi effective in Dry & wet cough - 100 ml (pack of 2)	100 milliliter	2 teaspoon
Waterbury's Compound A-Provides Quick Relief from Cold & Cough| Ayurvedic Immunity Booster | 250 ml	250 milliliter	1 tablespoon
Cipla Cofsils Naturals Cough Syrup | 100ml (Pack of 3) | Relief from Cough, Sore throat & Cold | Natural Ingredients, Non Drowsy	100 milliliter	2 teaspoon
Hamdard Joshina | 200 ml | Eases Throat Discomfort | Helps manage Cough, Cold and Sore Throat | Herbal Remedy | All-natural | Unani Formulation | Pack of 1	100 milliliter	as prescribed by the physician
Dabur Honitus Syrup -100ml [Pack of 4]	200 milliliter	2 teaspoon with warm water