Cough medicine range
Coughs are among the most common reasons people seek over-the-counter medicines. Understanding the type of cough you have is the key to choosing the right product. [Source: Healthdirect Australia]
Dry cough suppressants contain active ingredients that work by reducing the urge to cough - useful for an irritating, non-productive cough. Expectorant and mucolytic cough medicines help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making them more suitable for a chesty cough that produces phlegm. Combination formulas address both dry and chesty coughs and may suit some people when symptoms change throughout the day. If you are unsure which cough type you have, ask a Blooms The Chemist pharmacist for guidance. Children's cough medicines are also available, formulated for specific age groups.
Browse related products in our cold and flu medicine and sore throat medicine range.
How to choose between dry cough and chesty cough medicine
- Dry cough: Choose a cough suppressant (antitussive). These help reduce the frequency of an unproductive cough and are commonly formulated with dextromethorphan.
- Chesty cough: Choose an expectorant or mucolytic to help thin and clear mucus from the airways. These are formulated to make it easier to cough up phlegm.
- Dry and chesty combined: Combination formulas address both types and may suit some people when symptoms change throughout the day. If you are unsure which cough type you have, ask a Blooms The Chemist pharmacist for guidance.
- Children: Use products specifically formulated and labelled for children. Always check the age range on the product label before giving any cough medicine to a child.
Using cough medicine safely
Always follow the directions on the product label, including dosage, frequency and age suitability. Do not give adult cough medicines to children unless the label specifically states they are appropriate for that age group.
If a cough lasts more than a few weeks, is getting worse, is accompanied by a high fever, chest pain or shortness of breath, or if you cough up blood or unusual phlegm, seek medical advice promptly. [Source: Healthdirect Australia]