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(More customer reviews)There are so many cough formulas on the market that it is easy to get confused on what to buy. Here is a guide:
Cough medicines are categorized as EXPECTORANTS or SUPPRESSANTS, each may be sold separately or in combination medications, like this one. They're also found in cold formulas that include pain relievers (analgesics such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)), decongestants (pseudoephedrine), and antihistamines (diphenhydramine).
This product has a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), combined with an expectorant (Guaifenesin). The purpose of an expectorant is to loosen phlem so that it can be coughed up and out. Take an expectorant with a full glass of water, as water is an excellent expectorant. Also, drink plenty of fluids if you are congested. Hot liquids, such as chicken soup, tea and honey--work especially well. Breathing humidified air also moistens and soothes irritated airways, and loosens mucous.
A cough SUPPRESSANT works by calming the cough reflex in the brain. While it's not wise to stop a cough that produces colored phlegm (colored phlegm has bacteria in it), suppressants can relieve a dry, hacking unproductive cough. Suppressants are also helpful when you're exhausted from coughing and need to sleep. DEXTRMETHORPHAN (DM) is the most common active ingredient in nonprescription suppressants. Dextromethorphan has come under attack as not being effective in suppressing coughs. There is research on both sides of the issue, some that support it and others that recommend avoiding dextromethorphan. I personally have not found it effective in suppressing my coughs. Perhaps the very best cough suppressant is one which contains codeine. Codeine can be helpful as a nighttime cough remedy because it has a slight sedative effect on the central nervous system. It is available by prescription only.
Something to consider... since so many manufacturers now combine cough medicines with many other medicines, such as Tylenol for pain, a nasal decongestant, and/or an anti-histamine, I think it is wise to select a cough medicine that has ONLY the ingredients that are appropriate for your symptoms. That way you're not wasting your money on unnecessary ingredients, you spare yourself unnecessary side effects, and you're getting only the medication that your body needs.konedog
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