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Cough syrups have many benefits. This form of release of the drug is absorbed by the body faster and begins to act earlier. Syrups irritate the walls of the stomach to a lesser extent when compared with tablets. Most of them include components that envelop the gastrointestinal tract. Medicine in liquid form is easier to dose.
Syrups have a pleasant taste and smell. They become a real find for those people who cannot take pills.
According to the mechanism of action and the effect they have, they are divided into:
Cough syrups. Their main action is to suppress this reflex, relieve spasm from irritated mucous membranes. They are used for dry cough.
Mucolytics. These medications thin the mucus, making it easier to pass. They are taken with an unproductive cough.
Expectorants. They contribute to the separation of mucus, the purification of the bronchi.
Complex preparations. They dilute sputum, cleanse the bronchi, stop spasm, and reduce the inflammatory process. Depending on the composition, the effects may be varied.
By the number of active ingredients, cough syrups can be of 4 types:
Monocomponent.
Two-component.
Multicomponent.
Combined.
Depending on the characteristics of the main active substance, drugs are of 3 types:
Vegetable origin.
Synthetic.
Mixed.
There are syrups for children and for adults.
Each individual drug has its pros and cons, its effectiveness directly depends on the composition. We’ve rounded up the top 28 cough syrups of 2021. The best of them have been selected by our experts.
The best cough syrups for adults
Many diseases in adulthood are accompanied by a cough. Before deciding whether to take this or syrup, you need to establish the cause of its origin. A cough is not always caused by an infection. Sometimes it is a symptom of other diseases not associated with the microbial flora.
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the type of cough. This will help you choose a directional syrup [1].
Lazolvan
Syrup Lazolvan with the smell of wild berries – 300 rubles. The main active ingredient is ambroxol hydrochloride. Its action is aimed at increasing the secretion of mucus in the respiratory tract, its liquefaction and excretion. Taking the drug relieves coughing and restores the normal functioning of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi.
Syrup Lazolvan is prescribed to patients with COPD, bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma [2].
Pros
Pleasant taste and smell.
Reducing the duration of exacerbations and the number of days of taking antibiotics.
Improving the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.
High concentration of the active substance in the lungs.
Few contraindications.
Cons
The ban on admission to pregnant women in the first trimester and during breastfeeding.
Not suitable for treatment in patients with fructose intolerance.
A common side effect is nausea.
Stodal
Syrup Stodal with a fragrant smell – 320 rubles. The drug is based on natural plant ingredients. It includes bryonia, pulsatilla, drozera, rumex crispus and other substances that have undergone high-quality purification.
Syrup Stodal is prescribed for the treatment of dry and wet cough of various etiologies. It can be used as an antitussive and anti-inflammatory agent for ARVI and colds. [3].
Pros
Combination with other drugs.
Can be used at any age.
No side effects and contraindications.
Natural ingredients, no artificial colors.
Cons
The drug is homeopathic, which means, according to WHO, it does not have a scientific evidence base for its effectiveness.
Not suitable for people with plant allergies.
Contains a small amount of ethanol.
Josette
Joset syrup – 250 rubles. The main active ingredient is salbutamol sulfate, bromhexine hydrochloride, levomenthol and guaifenesin. Combined drug. Its reception allows you to achieve an expectorant, mucolytic and bronchodilator effect, relieve cough, reduce the viscosity of sputum and improve its evacuation. The syrup has antiseptic properties, reduces irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
The syrup is prescribed for diseases accompanied by difficult sputum discharge, including: emphysema, COPD, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis [4], [5].
Pros
complex effect.
Removal of inflammation from the respiratory system.
Reducing the duration of the disease.
Possibility of use in severe infections.
Converting an unproductive cough into a productive one.
Cons
A multi-component composition that increases the load on the body.
Prohibited admission to people with diseases of the cardiovascular system.
The inability to treat patients with decompensated diabetes mellitus and stomach ulcers.
Side effects in the form of headaches, nausea, stool disorders and a decrease in blood pressure.
The ban on taking some common drugs, for example, diuretics, antidepressants and glucocorticosteroids.
Ascoril
Ascoril syrup with pineapple and blackcurrant flavor – 460 rubles. The main active ingredients are salbutamol, bromhexine and guaifenesin. The drug of combined action, has an expectorant effect, relieves spasm from the bronchi, increases the vital capacity of the lungs, and helps to convert an unproductive cough into a productive one.
Ascoril syrup is used to treat tracheobronchitis, bronchial asthma, obstructive bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases accompanied by cough [4], [5].
Pros
High bioavailability, which is about 50%.
Multiple therapeutic effects.
No dependence on food intake.
Pleasant taste.
Approaching recovery time.
Improving the penetration of antibiotics into the lung tissue and increasing their effectiveness.
Cons
The presence of an impressive list of contraindications, including: heart disease, glaucoma, stomach ulcers in the acute stage and others.
Prohibition for pregnant and lactating women.
Side effects include headache, nausea and vomiting.
The need for medical advice before starting therapy. The drug is forbidden to be combined with a number of other common medicines: with theophylline, propranolol and MAO.
marshmallow syrup
Marshmallow syrup – 200 rubles. The main active ingredient is marshmallow root extract. The herbal preparation has an expectorant effect. Its reception has an anti-inflammatory effect, helps to thin viscous sputum. The syrup is used in the treatment of tracheitis, bronchitis, tracheobronchitis [6].
Pros
Composition based on natural ingredients.
Double effect in the form of cough relief and inflammation relief at the local level.
The minimum number of contraindications and side effects.
Cons
The need to dilute in water.
Lack of data on intake in pregnant and lactating women.
Prohibition for people with fructose intolerance and sucrose deficiency.
Prohibition of concomitant use with codeine and other antitussives.
Omnitus
Omnitus syrup with vanilla flavor – 240 rubles. The active ingredient of butamirate is citrate. It is a centrally acting drug that has a direct effect on the cough center located in the brain. The drug has an anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect. It is prescribed for dry cough of various origins (for colds, flu, whooping cough), used to suppress the cough reflex before and after surgery [7].
Pros
High absorption.
Pronounced antitussive effect.
Few contraindications.
Drug interactions of Omnitus syrup with other drugs, except for drugs that depress the central nervous system, are not described.
The possibility of using the drug for the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus.
Cons
Prohibition for pregnant women in the 1st trimester.
The presence of ethanol in the composition.
Prohibition of alcohol intake for the period of therapy.
Codelac Neo
Syrup Codelac Neo with vanilla flavor – 270 rubles. The main active ingredient of butamirate is citrate. The drug suppresses the cough reflex, affecting the central nervous system. After taking it, an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect develops, blood oxygen saturation improves, and sputum discharge is facilitated. The drug is prescribed for dry cough of various origins. [8].
Pros
complex effect.
Rapid and complete absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
Possibility of application before the operation and after its completion.
The minimum list of contraindications.
No interaction with other drugs, except for drugs that affect the central nervous system.
Cons
The ban on admission in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
Side effects in the form of dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and diarrhea.
The presence of ethanol in the composition.
The ban on the intake of alcoholic beverages during therapy.
Liminin
Cough syrup Liminin – 800 rubles. The preparation is based on herbal ingredients: cumin concentrate, mint oil, olive oil. It is used to get rid of cough in bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, SARS, tracheitis, pharyngitis. The drug has an antipyretic, immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory effect.
Pros
Natural composition.
Complex action.
Wide range of activities.
A small list of contraindications and side effects.
Cons
High price.
Prohibited during pregnancy.
Allergic reactions.
Fluifort
Fluifort syrup with cherry flavor – 400 rubles. The main active ingredient is carbocysteine lysine monohydrate. Taking the drug restores the normal properties of the mucus produced by the respiratory tract, contributing to its easy discharge. The expectorant and mucolytic effect develops due to the activation of a special enzyme of the cells of the bronchial mucosa – sialic transferase. Mucus becomes less viscous, easier to separate, cough decreases.
Fluifort is used to treat tracheitis, bronchitis, asthma and other diseases accompanied by difficult sputum discharge. [9].
Pros
Complex effect, including stimulation of immunity, improvement of mucociliary clearance.
Increasing the effectiveness of taking antibacterial drugs.
No irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
The possibility of using the drug for otitis media, adenoiditis, sinusitis and rhinitis.
No drug interactions with other drugs.
Cons
Low bioavailability (less than 10% of the dose taken).
High price.
The ban on taking the drug in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
The presence of contraindications: acute stomach ulcer, age up to a year.
Side effects in the form of allergic reactions, abdominal pain, dizziness.
ACC
Cough syrup ACC with cherry flavor – 290 rubles. The main active ingredient is acetylcysteine. The drug has a mucolytic effect, thins viscous mucus and promotes its easy discharge. It is active in purulent sputum, is able to bind to oxidative radicals and neutralize them. ACC is prescribed for bronchitis, laryngotracheitis, lung abscess, asthma and otitis media [10].
Pros
Pronounced expectorant effect.
The action of the drug is confirmed by many years of experience in its use.
Detoxification of the body, which is important for any disease.
Possibility of use when coughing infectious and non-infectious genesis.
Cons
Bioavailability is low, 10%.
The presence of contraindications, including stomach ulcers and pregnancy.
The need to take the drug after meals.
Side effects in the form of allergic reactions, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, headache.
The need for separate administration with antibiotics.
Shelf life after opening the bottle is only 18 days.
Plantain syrup and coltsfoot
Cough syrup with plantain and coltsfoot – 125 rubles. The active ingredients are extracts of plantain and coltsfoot, mint and eucalyptus oil. This is a combined preparation of plant origin, which has an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect. It is prescribed for the treatment of cough with bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis [11].
Pros
Natural composition.
Relief of cough.
A small list of contraindications.
Доступная цена.
No side effects other than an allergic reaction.
Cons
Use only in complex therapy with other drugs.
The ban on admission for pregnant and lactating women, for patients with stomach ulcers.
The presence of sugar in the composition.
Cough syrups for babies
Infants can suffer from dry and wet coughs caused by infectious and non-infectious diseases. Various syrups are used to alleviate and eliminate it. It is impossible to do without them, because due to physiological characteristics, an infant cannot cough up thick sputum, and tablets are contraindicated for taking.
It is possible to offer syrups to children under one year only after consulting a doctor. The composition of the medicinal product must be safe, not contain toxic components. Strict dosage of syrup is required, according to the age norm.
The advantages of using syrup for the treatment of infants are obvious – they are pleasant to the taste, they are convenient to offer and dose, they are quickly absorbed.
Span
Cough syrup Prospan with cherry flavor – 850 rubles. The main active ingredient is a dry extract of ivy leaves. The drug has an expectorant effect, dilutes sputum, facilitating its discharge, relieves spasm from the respiratory tract. The syrup is used in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, which are accompanied by a cough. [12].
Pros
Natural composition.
Pleasant taste.
The only contraindication is individual intolerance to the components that make up the composition, including fructose.
The absence of alcohol, sugar and dyes.
Cons
High price.
Side effects in the form of an allergic reaction.
Gedelix
Cough syrup Gedelix based on ivy extract – 380 rubles. The herbal preparation has an expectorant effect. Its reception helps to thin sputum, relieve spasms from the respiratory tract. The syrup is prescribed for infants with diseases of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by inflammation and cough with mucus that is difficult to separate. [13].
Pros
German production.
Natural and safe composition.
A mild effect on the respiratory system, which is due to saponins in the composition of the syrup.
Convenient dosing of the drug with a measuring spoon.
No contraindications, except for individual intolerance.
Contains no sugar.
Cons
The need to take after meals.
The possibility of an allergic reaction, nausea and pain in the epigastric region.
After opening the package, the shelf life is reduced to 6 months.
Linkas
Cough syrup Linkas – 230 rubles. The composition includes plants that in the complex have an expectorant effect. Among them: an extract of adhatoda leaves, licorice roots, fruits and roots of long pepper, fragrant violet flowers, etc. Taking the drug can reduce the intensity of cough and increase its productivity.
The syrup is prescribed for infections accompanied by a cough with thick sputum, for example, with influenza, bronchitis, tracheitis [14].
Pros
Natural composition.
Anti-inflammatory effect.
The minimum list of contraindications.
Cons
Can be used for children over 6 months old.
Allergic reactions to taking the drug.
The presence of sucrose in the composition.
Bronchorus
Bronchorus syrup based on ambroxol with raspberry flavor – 50 rubles. The drug has an expectorant and mucolytic effect. Its intake stimulates bronchial cells to produce mucus, which dilutes thick sputum. Reducing its viscosity and adhesion facilitates its removal from the respiratory tract and accelerates recovery. The syrup is used in the complex therapy of pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, COPD [15].
Pros
Low price.
Stimulation of the synthesis of surfactant in the alveoli and bronchi.
Long-lasting effect that lasts up to 7-12 hours.
The minimum list of contraindications.
No sugar content.
Cons
Side effects in the form of diarrhea, dry mucous membranes, allergic reactions.
Children under 2 years of age can only be treated under medical supervision.
Need to drink plenty of fluids during therapy.
Cough syrups for children 1-3 years old
Social contacts of children aged 1-3 years are expanding, which is why they are more likely to be attacked by viruses and microbes. This increases the risk of developing diseases accompanied by a cough with sputum difficult to separate. Since the organs of the respiratory system are poorly developed in childhood, it is difficult to cope with the infection without the use of expectorants.
Taking cough syrup for children 1-3 years old should be started in a timely manner, which allows you to bring the recovery time closer and reduce the likelihood of complications. The composition of the selected product must be safe.
Rengalin
Rengalin syrup – 250 rubles. The drug based on antibodies to bradykinin, morphine and histamine has a complex effect on the body. Its reception allows you to enhance the antitussive effect, reduce inflammation, relieve swelling and spasm from the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and reduce pain. It is prescribed for acute and chronic respiratory diseases, in which cough and bronchospasm are observed. [16].
Pros
complex effect.
Selective action on the cough center of the brain.
A small list of contraindications.
Cons
Side effects in the form of allergic reactions.
Lack of data on the pharmacokinetics of the drug.
The ban on taking people with fructose intolerance due to maltitol.
Herbion
Herbion cough syrup – 430 rubles. Preparation based on the extract of plantain leaves, mallow flowers and ascorbic acid. The syrup has an expectorant effect on the body, is used for inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, against the background of dry cough [17].
Pros
Herbal ingredients included.
Complex effect: expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial.
Possibility of use in the treatment of children older than 2 years.
Cons
The ban on admission to people with diabetes, as well as pregnant and lactating women.
Allergic reactions.
Storage temperature is not lower than +15 degrees.
Synecode
Cough syrup Sinekod with the smell of vanilla – 400 rubles. The main active ingredient is butamirate citrate, which has a pronounced antitussive effect by suppressing the cough center in the brain. The drug is prescribed for dry cough, regardless of the cause of its occurrence. Can be used before and after surgery [18].
Pros
Complex effect: antitussive, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilating (decrease in the tone of bronchial muscles).
The minimum set of contraindications.
Swiss production.
Cons
The need to take before meals.
Side effects in the form of allergic reactions, nausea and diarrhea.
High price.
Dr. MOM
Cough syrup Doctor Mom – 300 rubles. The drug is based on extracts of medicinal plants, has a pleasant aroma of pineapple. It is prescribed to relieve cough with pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, tracheitis [19].
Pros
Natural composition.
Complex effect: relieving spasm from the bronchi, thinning sputum, stopping inflammation, facilitating the removal of mucus.
The minimum set of contraindications.
Possibility of therapy up to 3 weeks or longer.
Cons
Allergic reactions are possible.
The presence of sugar in the composition.
Doctor Theiss with plantain
Syrup Doctor Theiss with plantain – 300 rubles. A preparation based on a liquid extract of lanceolate plantain with an expectorant effect. It is prescribed for diseases of the respiratory tract, accompanied by inflammation and cough with thick sputum. [20].
Pros
Complex effect: removal of inflammation, liquefaction of sputum.
The minimum set of contraindications and side effects.
German quality, the drug is made in Germany.
Cons
The presence of ethanol in the composition.
Allergic reactions.
Fluditec
Cough syrup for children Fluditec with a banana smell – the price is 460 rubles. The main active ingredient is carbocysteine. Taking the drug has an expectorant and mucolytic effect. Under its influence, mucus restores its normal properties, becomes less viscous and leaves the bronchi more easily. Fluditec is prescribed for tracheitis, bronchitis, asthma, rhinitis, otitis media, sinusitis and other diseases that occur against the background of a cough with sputum difficult to separate [21].
Pros
Complex effect: liquefaction of mucus, removal of inflammation, improvement of the efficiency of the cilia lining the bronchial mucosa.
Restoration of specific immune protection.
Long-lasting effect that lasts up to 8 hours.
French production.
Cons
Contraindications in the form of stomach ulcers, cystitis, glomerulonephritis.
Side effects, manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions.
Sucrose included.
Bronchipret
Bronchipret cough syrup based on herbal ingredients – 420 rubles. The active ingredients are extracts of medicinal herbs and plants: thyme and ivy. The intake of syrup helps to thin the sputum and its rapid evacuation from the bronchi. The drug is used in the treatment of tracheitis, tracheobronchitis and bronchitis of acute and chronic course. [22].
Pros
Natural composition.
Complex effect: liquefaction of sputum, removal of inflammation, reduction of edema from the bronchi, removal of thick mucus.
The possibility of treating children from 3 months of age.
The only side effect with proper dosing is allergic reactions.
German production.
Cons
Ethanol included.
The specific aroma and taste of herbs, which not all children like.
High price.
The syrup is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, as well as persons suffering from epilepsy.
Travisil
Cough syrup Travisil – 120 rubles. The drug is based on medicinal plants: black pepper fruits, justice adatoda leaves, ginger rhizomes, licorice roots, etc. Its intake helps to thin sputum and stimulates the bronchi to excrete it. Travesil is prescribed for various diseases accompanied by cough and accumulation of thick mucus in the respiratory organs. [23].
Pros
Natural composition.
Доступная цена.
Complex effect: removal of inflammation, liquefaction and excretion of sputum.
The minimum set of contraindications and side effects.
Cons
Allergic reactions.
Prohibition for people with intolerance to sucrose, fructose and isomaltose.
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