Coughing can be an unpleasant and disruptive symptom. There are many different types of cough suppressants. Depending on the type, they are available either over the counter or by prescription.
In this video, learn about the different types of cough suppressants and how to pick the right one for you.
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Becker, L. A., et al. (2015). Beta2-agonists for acute cough or a clinical diagnosis of acute bronchitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2020). Benzonatate 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg [package insert].
Catalina. (n.d.). Following the CDC’s relaxed mask guidelines — Cold, cough, and allergy medicines see triple-digit sales growth [infographic].
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2014). DrugFacts: Cough and cold medicines abuse.
PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2021). Benzonatate 100mg [package insert].
Pharmaceutical Associates, Inc. (2020). Promethazine with codeine [package insert].
Smith, S. M., et al. (2014). Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Hilary Weissman has been a health writer for the past 6 years. She was a senior copywriter at WW (Weight Watchers) before joining GoodRx and was also a copy editor in S&P Global’s structured finance ratings group for 3 years prior.

Dr. Preeti Parikh is a board-certified practicing pediatrician in New York City. In addition to overseeing all editorial content at HealthiNation, she sees patients at Westside Pediatrics, is an assistant clinical professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and is an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson.
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