7 Best Doctor-Recommended OTC Cough Syrups
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Kick Your Cough to the Curb With These OTC Cough Syrups, Recommended by Doctors

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Published on December 16, 2025
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We’ve all had it before: a persistent cough that makes everything difficult — sleeping through the night, focusing on work, or simply getting through the day. An over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrup is a common solution, but not all cough medicines are equal, and choosing the right product depends on the type of cough you're dealing with.

Cough syrups generally fall into two categories: suppressants and expectorants. "A cough suppressant helps reduce how often and how hard you cough,” says Allie Buttarazzi, MD, a diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and double board-certified physician who is co-owner of Maine Street Medical in Brunswick. “I recommend them when you have a persistent, dry cough. An expectorant thins mucus so you can clear it more easily,” Dr. Buttarazzi explains, “and can be helpful if you have a ‘junky,’ productive cough but can't seem to bring the mucus up.”


Because the cough syrup aisle is crowded with options, some of which also contain decongestants, pain relievers, and antihistamines, we spoke with three board-certified physicians to see what they most often recommend for common coughs. Here are the best OTC cough syrups that we trust to help you breathe, sleep, and get through the day.

When To Consult Your Doctor

While a mild cough from the common cold often improves on its own, persistent coughs lasting longer than eight weeks should be evaluated by your doctor. Additionally, if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, drowsiness, or a high fever, or are coughing up mucus that is yellowish-green or bloody, you should seek medical attention immediately. “For kids under 4, most pediatricians do not recommend OTC cough syrups,” says Chrissie Ott, MD, multi-board-certified physician practicing in Portland, Oregon. “If a young child is coughing and needs symptom management, a physician's input is warranted.”

cough syrup

Best for Adults

Robitussin Honey Cough and Chest Congestion DM

Buy at CVS $12.49

Pros

  • Contains both cough suppressant and expectorant
  • Contains Grade A True Source Certified honey
  • Free from artificial colors and flavors, gluten-free
  • Soothing honey flavor

    Cons

    • Only for adults, children 12 and older
    • Not recommended for those taking MAOIs

    Key Specs

    • Active ingredients: dextromethorphan HBr (20 mg), guaifenesin (400 mg)
    • Dosage: 20 mL
    • Targeted symptoms: cough, chest congestion, mucus
    • Age range: adults, children 12 years and older
    • Flavor: honey
    We chose Robitussin Honey Cough and Chest Congestion DM as the best OTC cough syrup for adults because, in addition to containing active ingredients to control coughing (dextromethorphan hydrobromide) and clear mucus to relieve chest congestion (guaifenesin), it also contains real honey. Honey is a common home remedy for coughs that helps coat and soothe an irritated throat. One study found that honey significantly reduced the severity and frequency of coughing in adults with acute respiratory infections.

    Dextromethorphan was approved as a cough suppressant by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1958 and is one of the most common OTC cough syrup ingredients.

     Guaifenesin helps clear mucus and relieve cough congestion caused by the common cold and allergies. It works by relaxing the muscles around your airways and drawing fluid into the respiratory tract, which makes the mucus less thick and sticky and easier to clear.

    We also liked that this product contains real honey as a sweetener instead of other types of sugar and is free from artificial colors. It's also gluten-free, making it a solid choice for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Finally, dextromethorphan may interact with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), so it's best to consult your doctor before taking cough syrup if you're taking MAOIs.


    Best for Young Kids

    Zarbee's Children’s Daytime Cough Syrup+ Immune

    $7.97 at Amazon
    $9.48Now 16% Off
    Buy on Amazon $7.97

    Pros

    • Drug-free cough relief for young children
    • Contains dark honey, vitamin D, zinc
    • Free from alcohol, artificial sweeteners, flavors, dyes
    • No gluten, dairy, egg, or peanut

      Cons

      • Not suitable for children under 2
      • Mixed Berry flavor may not appeal to all

      Key Specs

      • Active ingredients: dark honey, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry fruit extract
      • Dosage: 5 mL
      • Targeted symptoms: cough
      • Age range: children 2 and older
      • Flavor: Mixed Berry

      When it comes to cough syrups for young kids, Dr. Ott only recommends treating a cough “when it’s interfering significantly with sleep or causing pain.” Otherwise, coughing is a good thing — it’s necessary to help move mucus the body is trying to eliminate, she explains. However, if your pediatrician has ruled out other causes of coughing, such as asthma and pneumonia, Ott recommends honey or a cough syrup like Zarbee’s, which contains honey to coat and soothe the throat. We love Zarbee’s Cough Syrup+Immune because, in addition to dark honey, it also contains three additional ingredients that may help support immune health — vitamin D, zinc, and elderberry fruit extract.

      This product contains 8 percent of the daily value (DV) of vitamin D. Some research shows that because vitamin D plays a role in regulating the immune system, it may have a beneficial role in COVID-19 infections. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

       This product also contains 60 percent of the DV of zinc, which has been shown to play a role in several different immune functions. Zinc deficiency has been linked to a weakened immune system.

       Finally, it contains 25 milligrams of black elderberry fruit extract. A review published in 2021 found that elderberry may be beneficial for treating viral respiratory illness; however, the authors acknowledge that more research is needed to make firm conclusions.

      Since it contains honey, it’s not suitable for children under 2 years old. In rare cases, honey can cause infant botulism due to intestinal colonization of Clostridium botulinum, which may be present in honey. Symptoms of infant botulism include constipation, trouble feeding, and hypotonia (where your baby may feel unusually limp when held) and progress to generalized weakness, slow reflexes, and respiratory distress.

       If your child under 2 is experiencing a cough, Ott recommends nonpharmacological options like using a humidifier and a vapor rub.

      Best for Wet Coughs

      Mucinex Fast-Max DM MAX

      $16.14 at Amazon
      $16.99Now 5% Off
      Buy on Amazon $16.14

      Pros

      • Contains both cough suppressant and expectorant
      • Nondrowsy
      • Free from artificial colors, dyes, alcohol, sugar

        Cons

        • Only for ages 12 and older
        • Not recommended for those taking MAOIs

        Key Specs

        • Active ingredients: dextromethorphan HBr (20 mg), guaifenesin (400 mg)
        • Dosage: 20 mL
        • Targeted symptoms: chest congestion, cough, mucus
        • Age range: adults, children 12 and older
        • Flavor: Honey & Berry, Berry
        When you have a wet cough, Buttarazzi recommends choosing a product that contains an expectorant like guaifenesin to help mobilize the mucus. We chose Mucinex Fast-Max DM MAX Honey & Berry flavored cough syrup for a wet cough because, unlike many cough syrups for wet cough, it doesn't contain phenylephrine. Phenylephrine is marketed as a decongestant, but according to Buttarazzi (and the FDA), it isn't very effective. 

        We also liked that this product is sugar-free. Instead, it contains sorbitol and sucralose as sweeteners. It's also a nondrowsy formula that can be used during the day or night, so you don't need to purchase multiple products — this one covers you all day. Like many other cough syrups, it's not recommended for children under 12. Additionally, people taking prescription MAOIs should consult their doctor before using this product.

        cough syrup

        Best Multisymptom

        Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM

        Buy at Walgreens $12.99

        Pros

        • Contains both cough suppressant and expectorant
        • Contains soothing menthol
        • Nondrowsy
        • Alcohol-free

          Cons

          • Only for adults, children 12 and older
          • Not recommended for those taking MAOIs

          Key Specs

          • Active ingredients: dextromethorphan HBr (20 mg), guaifenesin (200 mg)
          • Dosage: 20 mL
          • Targeted symptoms: chest congestion, cough, mucus
          • Age range: adults, children 12 and older
          • Flavor: Berry

          “I'm not a fan of most ‘all-in-one’ formulas,” says Buttarazzi, “as they often pack in four or more ingredients you may not need and can make it easy to double up on ingredients, such as acetaminophen.” However, Buttarazzi notes that Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM is different. “It combines dextromethorphan to quiet a cough,” she explains, “and guaifenesin to thin and loosen mucus — nothing extra.”

          She recommends choosing the regular-strength version so you can start at a low dose and only increase it to the maximum dosage if truly necessary. We also liked that this product contains menthol, which creates a cooling sensation in the throat and airways that can soothe irritation and make it feel easier to breathe.

           It's also alcohol-free. 
          cough syrup

          Best Nondrowsy Formula

          Delsym Adult Cough Suppressant Liquid

          Buy at Walgreens $17.99

          Pros

          • Nondrowsy
          • Only 1 active ingredient
          • Relieves cough for up to 12 hours
          • Alcohol-free

            Cons

            • Doesn’t relieve congestion or mucus
            • Not recommended for those taking MAOIs

            Key Specs

            • Active ingredients: dextromethorphan polistirex extended release (each 5 mL contains the equivalent of 30 mg dextromethorphan HBr)
            • Dosage: Adults, children 12 and older: 10 mL; ages 6–12: 5 mL; ages 4–6: 2.5 mL
            • Targeted symptoms: cough
            • Age range: adults, children 4 and older
            • Flavor: Orange

            “Delsym keeps it simple with a single active ingredient — dextromethorphan,” says Buttarazzi, “making it a solid choice for a dry, nagging daytime cough.” She adds that most people find it nonsedating, but that everyone has unique body chemistry, so it's best to try it at home first to see how you respond.

            We also appreciated that this cough syrup contains a time-release form of dextromethorphan, which can provide relief for up to 12 hours. This is more convenient than many of the other cough syrups on this list, which typically need to be taken every four hours. Plus, because it only contains dextromethorphan, it can be used for children ages 4 and older; most other cough syrups that contain an expectorant are not appropriate for children under 12 years.

            However, because it doesn't contain an expectorant, it may not be the best choice for individuals with a wet cough or congestion caused by excessive mucus. It also contains sugar, which may not be preferred by some people.

            Best for Nighttime Relief

            Robitussin Maximum Strength Nighttime Cough DM

            $11.86 at Amazon
            $12.48Now 5% Off
            Buy on Amazon $11.86

            Pros

            • Contains dextromethorphan and antihistamine
            • Contains soothing menthol
            • Multisymptom relief
            • Alcohol-free

              Cons

              • May increase risk of urinary retention, morning grogginess
              • Not recommended for those taking MAOIs

              Key Specs

              • Active ingredients: dextromethorphan HBr (30 mg), doxylamine succinate (12.5 mg)
              • Dosage: 20 mL
              • Targeted symptoms: Cough, runny nose, sneezing, itchy-watery eyes, nose, throat
              • Age range: adults, children 12 and older
              • Flavor: Wildberry

              Buttarazzi generally recommends choosing nondrowsy cough syrups like the ones listed above, even at night, because the nighttime syrups typically rely on sedating antihistamines. However, if coughing is truly keeping you from sleeping, she recommends Robitussin Maximum Strength Nighttime Cough DM, noting that it only contains a low dose of antihistamine (plus dextromethorphan to help suppress a cough).

              Because this cough syrup contains both a cough suppressant and an antihistamine, it can relieve a variety of symptoms, including cough, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and an itchy nose or throat, making it a good choice for people who are experiencing multiple symptoms related to allergies or the common cold. It's also alcohol-free and contains menthol, which can soothe irritation and make it feel easier to breathe.

              “It may leave you groggy in the morning,” cautions Buttarazzi, “and can increase the risk of urinary retention, especially in older adults.” Urinary retention means when you can't fully empty your bladder, even when you feel the urge to urinate, and is a side effect of the antihistamine doxylamine.


              cough syrup

              Best for Allergies

              Benadryl Allergy Liquid

              Buy at CVS $8.99

              Pros

              • Contains diphenhydramine
              • Relieves cold and allergy symptoms
              • Alcohol-free
              • Affordable

                Cons

                • Doesn’t contain an expectorant
                • May cause drowsiness

                Key Specs

                • Active ingredients: diphenhydramine HCl (12.5 mg per 5 mL)
                • Dosage: Adults, children 12 and older: 10–20 mL; ages 6–11: 5–10 mL
                • Targeted symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, itchy-watery eyes, nose, throat, cough due to allergies or cold
                • Age range: adults, children 6 and older
                • Flavor: Wild Cherry
                We chose Benadryl Allergy Liquid as the best OTC cough syrup to soothe a cough caused by allergies because it contains just one active ingredient: diphenhydramine HCl. Diphenhydramine relieves several allergy-related symptoms, including itchy-watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, and a cough related to allergies or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamine (a chemical compound that causes allergy symptoms).

                Benadryl Allergy Liquid is also alcohol-free, affordable (at around $10 per bottle), and can be used in children ages 6 and older. Like many antihistamines, diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, but it may have the opposite effect in children. If this is your first time taking diphenhydramine, it's best to take it at home so you can see how it affects you.

                 It also contains sugar, which some people may prefer to avoid.

                Finally, although Benadryl Allergy Liquid is effective in relieving coughs associated with allergies or the common cold, it doesn’t contain an expectorant, so it may not be helpful for people with a wet cough or excessive mucus. However, if you're experiencing a dry cough or other allergy-like symptoms, this is an effective option.

                Comparison Table

                Superlative
                Active Ingredients
                Dosage
                Targeted Symptoms
                Age Range
                Robitussin Honey Cough and Chest Congestion DM
                Best for adults

                Dextromethorphan HBr, guaifenesin 

                20 mL 

                Cough, mucus, chest congestion

                Adults, children 12 and older
                Buy Now $12.49
                Zarbee's Children’s Daytime Cough Syrup+ Immune
                Best for young kids

                Dark honey, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, fruit extract

                5 mL

                Cough, immune support

                Children 2 and older
                Buy Now $7.97
                Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max Honey & Berry Flavor
                Best for wet coughs

                Dextromethorphan HBr, guaifenesin

                20 mL 

                Cough, chest congestion, mucus

                Adults, children 12 and older
                Buy Now $16.14
                Robitussin Cough and Chest Congestion DM
                Multisymptom relief

                Dextromethorphan HBr, guaifenesin

                20 mL

                Cough, chest congestion, mucus

                Adults, children 12 and older
                Buy Now $12.99
                Delsym Adult Cough Suppressant Liquid
                Best Nondrowsy

                Dextromethorphan polistirex 

                Adults, children 12 and older: 10 mL, ages 6–12: 5 mL, ages 4–6: 2.5 mL

                Cough

                Adults, children 4 and older
                Buy Now $17.99
                Robitussin Maximum Strength Nighttime Cough DM
                Best for Nighttime Relief

                Dextromethorphan HBr, doxylamine succinate

                20 mL every 6 hours

                Cough, runny nose, sneezing

                Adults, children 12 and older
                Buy Now $11.86
                Benadryl Allergy Liquid
                Best for allergies
                Diphenhydramine HCl

                Adults, children 12 and older: 10–20 mL, ages 6–11: 5 mL

                Sneezing, runny nose, itchy-watery eyes, throat or nose, cough

                Adults, children 6 and older
                Buy Now $8.99

                How We Chose the Best OTC Cough Syrups

                You deserve recommendations you can trust, which is why we compiled this list using a clear, evidence-informed process. To ensure accuracy and safety, we consulted three board-certified physicians:

                • Allie Buttarazzi, MD, a diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and double board-certified physician who is co-owner of Maine Street Medical in Brunswick
                • Heather Gosnell, MD, board-certified pediatrician in Phoenix
                • Chrissie Ott, MD, multi-board-certified physician in Portland, Oregon

                Their insights helped us evaluate how different OTC cough syrups work and which ones are most appropriate for different individuals and situations. We considered factors like active ingredients, alcohol and sugar content, dosage and frequency, flavor, age range, and price. By weighing these criteria with input from our experts, we identified the OTC cough syrups most likely to provide safe and effective relief for a range of different types of cough.

                What to Look For When Buying OTC Cough Syrups

                Not all cough syrups work the same way, so it's important to choose one that's designed to treat the symptoms you're experiencing. Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping for OTC cough syrups:

                • Active Ingredients Look for expectorants (like guaifenesin) if you have a wet cough and need to loosen mucus, suppressants (like dextromethorphan) if you have a dry, hacking cough, or antihistamines (like diphenhydramine) if your cough is related to allergies.
                • Age Range Many cough syrups aren't safe for young children, so it's important to choose products designed for the age range of the person taking the medication.
                • Dosage and Frequency Determine how often you'll need to take it and ensure it aligns with your schedule. Some cough syrups contain timed-release ingredients, which may be more convenient, as you don't need to take them as often.
                • Alcohol or Sugar Content People with diabetes, children, or those avoiding alcohol may need to avoid cough syrups with these ingredients.

                FAQs

                What's the difference between cough suppressants and expectorants?

                A cough suppressant (like dextromethorphan) helps reduce the frequency and severity of a cough, and can be useful when you have a persistent, dry cough. In contrast, she explains that an expectorant (like guaifenesin) helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear. This makes it a good choice if you have a wet, productive cough but are struggling to clear the mucus.

                “I tell my patients to look for dextromethorphan if they need a suppressant and guaifenesin if they need an expectorant,” says Buttarazzi. As for ingredients to avoid, “I generally recommend skipping products with a decongestant like phenylephrine, since it isn't very effective,” she adds.

                Buttarazzi also recommends avoiding antihistamines like doxylamine or diphenhydramine unless absolutely necessary, as they can make you drowsy. Finally, “I also steer patients away from combination syrups that contain acetaminophen,” she explains, “and if you do need it, it's best to take it separately so you can control the dose.”

                “OTC cough syrups are unsafe for children under 4,” says Heather Gosnell, MD, a board-certified pediatrician in Phoenix, “and not recommended under 6, as studies show no benefit in younger kids.” She adds that these medications can cause harmful side effects in children, including a faster heart rate, restlessness, confusion, and sleepiness.

                “For children over 6, dextromethorphan may be used,” explains Dr. Gosnell, “but honey is equally effective and safer for children older than 1 year.” However, she adds that honey should never be given to infants under 1 year due to botulism risk.

                When choosing a cough syrup for children, Ott recommends selecting single-ingredient cough syrups whenever possible to avoid overdosing on other ingredients, such as antihistamines and decongestants.

                “Studies show that honey helps reduce cough in children over 1 year old,” says Gosnell, “outperforming decongestants and antihistamines, which are no better than placebo.” She adds that vapor rub has also been shown to help by reducing cough, congestion, and improving sleep.

                For most people, there aren't many downsides to taking OTC cough syrups, says Buttarazzi. However, some people may notice mild drowsiness from dextromethorphan and added antihistamines, so try your first dose when you don't need to drive or work, she adds. 

                You can usually take cough syrup if you're on other medications, but Buttarazzi recommends double-checking with your doctor or pharmacist to rule out any interactions specific to your prescriptions. For example, dextromethorphan may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

                “Nighttime cough syrups have not been shown to improve sleep in children,” says Gosnell. For adults, Buttarazzi generally recommends nondrowsy options unless absolutely necessary, as many nighttime syrups rely on sedating antihistamines that can leave you groggy in the morning and may increase the risk of urinary retention, especially in older adults.

                If you choose to use cough syrups for your children, Gosnell recommends sugar-free and alcohol-free versions. “Sugar offers no symptom relief and can cause tooth decay and provide excess calories,” she explains, “while alcohol also provides no benefit and may cause central nervous system depression, low blood sugar, and accidental overdose.”

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                3. Kapruia R et al. Dextromethorphan Guaifenesin. StatPearls. May 25, 2024.
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                5. Bikle DD. Vitamin D Regulation of Immune Function. Current Osteoporosis Reports. June 1, 2022.
                6. Maywald M et al. Zinc in Human Health and Infectious Diseases. Biomolecules. November 24, 2022.
                7. Wieland LS et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. April 7, 2021.
                8. Van Horn NL et al. Infantile Botulism. StatPearls. April 6, 2025.
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                10. DeGeorge KC et al. Treatment of the Common Cold. American Family Physician. September 1, 2019.
                11. Brott N et al.  Doxylamine. StatPearls. June 5, 2023.
                12. Diphenhydramine. MedlinePlus. August 15, 2025.
                13. Lam SH et al. Use of antitussive medications in acute cough in young children. Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open. June 18, 2021.