Best cough syrup names in India 2023
Introduction
In general cough syrups are available over the counter (OTC) in India. They may contain various types of active ingredients like Codeine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Guaiphenesin, Ambroxol, Salbutamol, Diphenhydramine, and Terbutaline sulphate, among others. While writing this article on a sensitive medicine cough syrup I announced that cough syrups may have side effects or drug interactions with other medicines. Therefore it is strongly recommended to consult with a doctor before taking any cough syrup.
Importance of cough syrups
Cough syrups are a unique medication that addresses the symptom of coughing very effectively in comparison to other dosage forms like tablets, capsules, and Injectables. Cough syrups play a significant role in the drug delivery system when they are used for cough with mucus they clear the airways for smoothening the breathing crossing through the throat and heal the affected area in the throat.
The criteria for selecting the best cough syrup
There are several criteria to consider when you select a cough syrup that is best for you, Here are some important points to keep in consideration:
- Type of cough: A particular cough syrup can not be fit for every type of cough, if you have a dry cough you should take cough syrup containing suppressants like Dextromethorphan, Codeine, etc. Therefore, you should need a different cough syrup for a cough with mucus and an allergy-generated cough.
- Ingredients: The selection of cough syrup for an individual also depends on the Ingredients present in a cough syrup's formulation, a cough syrup containing dextromethorphan will not be useful for a patient with asthma-based cough. And guaifenesin containing cough syrup will be suitable for patients who have a productive cough, not for dry cough.
- Dosage: The dosage of a cough syrup also plays a vital role in the selection of the best cough syrup for you.
- Safety: All cough syrups are not safe for pregnant women, so it is very important to select a cough syrup that is not harmful to a pregnant woman if she is pregnant and has a cough problem.
- Formulation: Usually, cough syrups are formulated to treat specific symptoms of cough like sore throat, cough with cold, dry cough, and asthmatic cough. First, consider you symptoms you are experiencing then choose a cough syrup that is designed to treat such symptoms.
- Price: Price is a crucial factor in selecting a cough syrup for you, there are several brands of the same formulation, then you have to decide on a good quality cough syrup at a lesser price.
Top 10 best cough syrups for adults in India 2023
- Corex cough Syrup
- Honitus cough syrup
- Benadryl
- TusQ DX
- Alex cough syrup
- Cheston
- Cofdex
- Grilinctus
- Ascoril
- Koflet
Definition of a cough syrup
Cough syrups are medicines that are designed to relieve coughing by suppressing or minimizing the frequency and intensity of coughing. Cough syrups contain various APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients). The type of API depends on the type of cough and the reason for the cough.
- Dextromethorphan: It is a cough suppressant that is used to reduce the frequency or intensity of coughing.
- Guaiphenesin: It is an expectorant that is used to loosen and thin the mucus/phlegm in the airways, which makes the cough easier to cough.
- Codeine: It is a controlled drug by the NDPS department. It is also a suppressant that is used in severe coughing conditions.
- Bromhexine Hydrochloride: It is an expectorant in nature. It is used in cough syrups that are intended to use for loosening the mucus in the airways of the throat.
- Diphenhydramine: It is an antihistamine drug that is used to relieve coughing caused by various allergies.
- Chlorpheniramine: It is an antihistamine that is used to relieve cough developed due to a certain type of allergy.
- Phenylephrine Hydrochloride: It is a decongestant that is used to end nasal congestion and a cough reliever.
Types of cough syrups?
Cough syrups are syrupy solutions that contain Bronchodilators, Expectorants, Suppressants, and decongestants molecules in their composition. In physical properties cough syrups are similar to other medicinal syrups, they are just different in the ingredients of the formulation.
Bronchodilators, Expectorants, Suppressants, and decongestants are prepared in the syrupy form to eradicate cough symptoms developed by different sources. Each of them is prepared in single molecule composition or in the combination with many molecules.
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide and Codeine Phosphate are popular cough suppressants used for dry cough and prolonged dry cough problems.
Some herbal cough syrups are also used for various cough symptoms and they work on many different types of cough like dry cough, wet cough, and cough due to allergy.
Cough syrups for productive cough:
Bronchodilators and Expectorants are used in productive cough or cough with phlegm. Whereas suppressants are used in dry cough symptoms. Usually, popular brands used in productive cough are FTOX-AM, Ascoril, Cheston, etc.
Ambroxol, Terbutaline, and Bromhexine are some common Bronchodilators, that are popular in productive cough symptoms. Guaifenesin is the FDA-approved expectorant in the United States that is used for cough with phlegm.
Expectorants make the mucus thin and open the airways which help to breathe easily. Potassium Iodide and menthol are also good expectorants that are used widely. All the above-said cough syrups contain at least one of the expectorants in their formulation formula.
Cough syrup in India:
There are millions of different cough syrups brand names in India. All cough syrups are developed to treat various types of cough. But largely it depends on the prescription of a Doctor which is suitable for a particular patient. The list of cough syrups is provided here just for information about the compositions of syrups, it is not any recommendation for any cough syrup. Therefore, it is firmly recommended not to take medicines without a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
Best cough syrup names in India 2023 List
Top Ayurvedic cough syrup
Buy Honitus cough syrup Here
Causes of a cough and source of cough generation
Every human has a slight cough which is very normal behavior, but when a cough prolongs for weeks and months this may be a medical alert. Many people have dust allergies they are cough regularly without any internal problems. However, a prolonged cough situation must be addressed with proper medication and the doctor’s advice. Although we are discussing the Best cough syrups name in India 2023 here.
Sources of cough are different for every individual depending on the living behavior. Many people have a cough due to their smoking habit, some have a cough because of dust allergy, and a few people get a cough from external infections. So there is no universal reason for the cough.
Reasons for developing a cough
We have already discussed about the possible reason for cough development, and some common and routine reasons for cough are illustrated according to the source of cough generations.
Bronchitis Cough:
The main symptom of bronchitis is a hacking cough. In this cough phlegm (thick yellow-grey mucus) bring up from the chest, however, sometimes phlegm does not appear in the cough but it still may be a Bronchitis cough. Ambroxol, Terbutaline, Guaiphenesin, and bromhexine are a few drugs that help in such coughs.
Cold Cough:
Typically, coughing occurs when the nerves in the airways become infected due to dust cold, or viral flu. This type of cough develops due to the body‘s reflex response to exit foreign particles or bacteria choking the airways. Chlorpheniramine maleate, Phenylephrine, and menthol are the main drugs to deal with this type of cough.
Flu:
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the human respiratory system. Congestion in the respiratory system creates a breathing problem that turns into a cough response. Strong expectorant ingredients like guaiphenesin can loosen up mucus to decrease cough and congestion. The effectiveness of guaifenesin increases with a small dose of antibiotics.
Dry Cough:
This is also like a common cold cough. When you receive a virus from touching the surface of the infected virus, or falling in front of a sneezing and coughing person who is infected with that virus, then you get dry cough symptoms. This type of virus commonly enters through the mouth or nose route. Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Codeine Phosphate, Chlorpheniramine, and Pseudoephedrine syrups are commonly used in such types of cough.
Ingredients/Drugs for different coughs
There are lots of compositions are used to treat cough in patients, it depends on the doctor's prescription which drug he finds to suit the symptoms, condition, disease history, and many more factors. Some ingredients are highly effective on particular symptoms and non-effective on other symptoms. So as per symptoms of cough, some categories of best cough syrups names are given here.
Cough Suppressants :
A drug used to cure coughing, a dry cough, nagging, and unproductive cough is known as cough suppressant also called antitussive. Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide is the master ingredient in cough suppressants. Dextromethorphan is associated with Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine, Menthol, cetirizine, and phenylpropanolamine HCl to produce a complete suppressant cough syrup.
Expectorants
Expectorants are drugs used to loosen or dilute the mucus in the chest and lungs. Which makes them so dilute that can cough out from the chest easily. Guaifenesin is the main ingredient in such cough syrups in combination with Terbutaline sulfate, Bromhexine Hydrochloride, and Menthol. Taking the syrup with warm or hot water results in better.
Asthmatic syrups
Asthmatic medicines are used when a patient feels breathing problems while coughing. Some patients who are smokers and compromised lungs require special care in breathing cough problems. The main ingredient in this cough is salbutamol and levosalbutamol with ambroxol hydrochloride and guaifenesin. Ambroxol-based cough syrups also clear the airways that help to take breathe easily.
What are the best OTC cough syrups?
In the fast-moving world, people try to skip going to hospitals or doctors for small illnesses or cough problems, they purchase a cough syrup from a chemist shop with their own choice or self-knowledge base, such cough syrups are now popular in public with their brand names are known as OTC cough syrups Like Asthalin, Grinlinctus, Cherricof, Benadryl, Corex, Glycodin, etc.
However, taking any medicine prescribed in Schedule H, Schedule G or Schedule H1 is not a safe option without a doctor's advice. Some people take risks for their health by doing such practices. Cough is not a common problem for everyone, but it may have serious complications for cardiovascular patients, therefore, avoid buying OTC medicines.
What are the best prescription cough medicines?
Every ingredient has its unique role in cough, some ingredients are effective in productive cough but not useful in dry cough, and some are very effective in Asthmatic cough but not useful in productive cough.
The best prescription is one that relieves the patient's cough as soon as possible. Symptoms decide the type of cough syrup, which has to give to a particular person.
Almost every doctor decide to prescribe a drug keeping symptom in view, some times people themselves purchase OTC medicines for their cough problem, in that scenario, you have the following options for the best cough syrup names in India to buy, first, decide on the cough type you have, second read the label of cough syrup what for it is indicated? Buy the best option for you and follow the dosage instruction carefully.
What are the best home remedies for cough?
There are lots of homemade remedies available for cough, and many of them are very useful and helpful in cough. Most can be prepared from kitchen spices and herbs available in every household. Nothing is costly and needs to purchase from the market especially. Some problems occur due to our lifestyle mistakes, which turn into coughs or other allergic problems. Everyone should care about their habits which allow diseases to enter the body. Some Homemade remedies are detailed below:
Warm fluids: Generally fluids are capable to dilute the mucus in the throat. Usually hot or lukewarm liquids—such as broth, tea, and Kadha are very effective in throat congestion. It relieves cough very soon and effectively.
Citrus Fruits: Some natural vegetables and fruits available with menthol, lemon, zinc, vitamin C, and honey are very effective in reducing throat pain, swelling, and congestion. They can be used to reduce the intensity of cough.
Vaporizers: It is very effective to take vapors of hot water added mint leaf and metha oil. It helps in nose congestion and throat infections. There are lots of good-quality vaporizers available in the market.
Ginger Powder: Ginger is well known for its medicinal and herbal effects, ginger is hot in nature, and it helps very well with coughs due to colds, and flu. Drinking hot tea made with some ginger slices relieves cough and cold.
Sitopladi Powder: Sitopladi Powder when taken with pure honey is very helpful in chronic cough situations. This is an Indian classical ayurvedic preparation that is used for centuries for cough symptoms, and many more health issues. Before buying sitopladi powder ensure that it should be manufactured by reputed companies like Dabur and Baidyanath, etc.
Dry cough syrups in India 2023
Generally, dry cough syrup is a combination of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide and some associated APIs Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Menthol. Here are some popular brands in the market containing Dextromethorphan Hbr Benadryl, Chericof, Ftox-DX, TusQ-dx, etc.
Codeine with Chlorpheniramine Maleate is also a popular cough medicine for dry cough. Here are some examples of this combination Corex, Rexcof, Tossex, Benylin, Cocorex, etc.
However, the sale of Codeine Phosphate cough syrups in OTC is banned in India. This is not allowed to sell without the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
Codeine syrups were very popular in the younger generation who used them for narcotism. The government of India restricted its availability by enforcing related laws. Codeine syrups must be included in the list of best cough syrup names in India.
Codeine Phosphate syrups Names in India;
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codeine-syrup |
Best cough syrup for dry cough in India:
Dry coughs can be cured by suppressants if they are of good quality MANUFACTURED. Cough syrups containing Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate are best for dry cough in India.
This combination is very potent and has proved effective for years. Some good examples of this combination are Chericof syrup, Benadryl, FTOX-DX, and Glycodin. These are the top examples of DMR combinations. Codeine Phosphate and Chlorpheniramine Maleate syrups are also highly effective in dry cough symptoms. Some good examples of this combination are Corex, Codirex, Codistar, and Ascoril-C syrup.
Conclusion
The topic of best cough syrup names in India in 2023 became more relevant as awareness of the increased risk of self-medication. The use of cough syrups depends on many factors that ought to be in mind every time like age, sex, pregnancy, and medical history of the patient.
The right selection of the type of cough syrup minimizes the risks of adverse effects and increases the probability of treatment of the cough.
The best way to deal with any disease is to visit your Doctor which will reduce the chances of adverse effects and wrong medication, no advice can replace the advice of a doctor. Self-medication is not a best practice for the use of OTC products. However, the product suggested in the list is the best in quality as per their efficacy. You should use self-medication only on rare occasions, and avoid it in regular practice. If you like the article do not forget to share it with friends.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Q-Is Benadryl cough syrup banned in India?
ANS-The cough syrups which contain Codeine phosphate are banned for children below 12 years of age, and their sale is possible with the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. The record of sale and purchase has to be maintained for further investigation if any discrepancy is found in stock. Products like Corex, Benadryl, XCOF, and Phensedyl are on the controlled list.
Q-Which is very effective in common cold symptoms and cough due to cold.?
ANS-DGBC tablets of Digital Vision are also useful in cold and cough symptoms. DGBC tablets contain Dextromethorphan, Guaiphenesin, Bromhexine Hydrochloride, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate.
Q-Which syrup is best for chest congestion?
ANS-For chest congestion expectorant and mucus thinner ingredients are useful. Cough syrup containing Guaifenesin like FTOX-AM, Tusq-X, and Ascoril is very useful. These cough syrups make the mucus thin and make breathing easy. Dextromethorphan is also good for congestion due to cold, it belongs to cough suppressants that allow the chest to open the congestion.
Q-What is the best cough syrup in India for adults?
ANS-For a dry cough, several top cough syrup that is best for adults are Chericof, TUSQ-DX, Benadryl, Codistar, and Ftox-DX. For wet cough in adults, best cough syrups are Cheston Plus Expectorant, Hystalin syrup, and Alex cough formula?
These are some top-quality cough syrups that are highly effective and best of quality in terms of ingredients and taste of syrup.
Q-What are safe cough syrups for pregnant women?
ANS-There is no room for leniency in view of medicines used by pregnant women. Ask the doctor for use of every single medicine. Cough syrups are not excluded from this scrutiny. Some safe cough syrups are Dextromethorphan HBr in single salt preparation. It should be used at night. Expectorants (single salt) can use daytime. Every cough syrup used during pregnancy should have a single salt composition. Guaifenesin with Dextromethorphan can be used for severe cough conditions. Any strong medication can cause danger to the baby’s health.
Q-What is hydryllin cough syrup dosage?
ANS-The dosage of Hydryllin cough syrup is 5 ml (one teaspoonful) thrice a day or as directed by the Physician.
Q-What is hydryllin cough syrup formula?
ANS- Hydryllin cough syrup contains Aminophylline 32 mg, Diphenhydramine Hcl 8 mg, Ammonium Chloride 30 mg, and Menthol 0.98 mg/ 5 ml.
Q-Can I use Hydryllin cough syrup during pregnancy?
ANS-Hydryllin cough syrup contains four active ingredients in its composition Aminophylline 32 mg, Diphenhydramine Hcl 8 mg, Ammonium Chloride 30 mg, and Menthol 0.98 mg so it is advised before taking this cough syrup during pregnancy you must consult your doctor, It may any one of four ingredients can react in pregnancy conditions.
Q-What is hydryllin cough syrup price in Pakistan?
ANS-The price of Hydryllin cough syrup 120 ml pack is Rs. 69/- per pack in Pakistan.
Q-What is Hydryllin cough syrup used for?
ANS-Hydryllin cough syrup is used to treat cough, productive cough, cough, and cold, and Reversible airflow obstructions, It is also used for watery eyes and runny noses.
Q-What are Hydryllin cough syrup's side effects?
ANS-Hydryllin cough syrup may have some common side effects in a few patients including Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Headache, etc.
References:
- Cough Suppressants -Free Medical Dictionary by Farlex.
- Vaporizers -Vaporizer (inhalation device), -From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clinical efficacy of honey in the treatment of acute cough: A systematic review and meta-analysis- by Oduwole, O. et al. in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2018.
Herbal Medicines for the Treatment of Noninfluenza Acute Respiratory Viral Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials," by Wang, Y. et al. in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2017.
Efficacy of different cough treatments for children with bronchiolitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis- by Schroeder, K. et al. in Archives of Disease in Childhood, 2014.
A review on the effectiveness and safety of Thyme, Sage, and Ivy Leaves in the treatment of acute bronchitis: by Kemmerich, B. et al. in Phytomedicine, 2006.
Management of Acute Cough in Primary Care: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials, by Smith, S. et al. in Annals of Family Medicine, 2014.
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