Cough medicines come in many forms – from syrups and liquids to tablets and lozenges. Some contain active ingredients like dextromethorphan and guaifenesin to suppress coughs, while others rely on honey, herbs, and menthol to soothe sore throats. With so many options on drugstore shelves, you may be wondering: do they make cough medicine without alcohol?
The short answer is yes. There are many alcohol-free cough medicines available, both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription. Alcohol has traditionally been used as a solvent in liquid cough medicines, but the alcohol content is typically very low. However, if you want to avoid alcohol completely, there are plenty of good alternatives. Keep reading to learn more about alcohol-free cough medicine options.
Why is alcohol used in some cough medicines?
In cough syrups, elixirs, and expectorants, alcohol serves as a solvent – a substance that can dissolve or disperse the active ingredients and allow them to be absorbed into your body. Alcohol also helps liquid cough medicine taste better.
The alcohol concentration in most liquid OTC cough medicines ranges from 3% to 10% – that’s less alcohol than an average beer. However, if you want to avoid alcohol for personal, religious, or health reasons, an alcohol-free cough medicine is the way to go.
Children’s cough medicines are always alcohol-free, and there are plenty of alcohol-free options for adults too.
Active ingredients in alcohol-free cough medicine
Cough medicines work in different ways to relieve cough symptoms. Here are some of the most common active ingredients found in alcohol-free cough products:
– Dextromethorphan (DXM) – a cough suppressant that can reduce the urge to cough. Found in many alcohol-free cough syrups.
– Guaifenesin – an expectorant that loosens mucus and helps clear airways. Available in alcohol-free syrups and tablets.
– Diphenhydramine – an antihistamine that dries up secretions and dampens cough reflexes. Sold in alcohol-free liquid and pill forms.
– Honey – a natural cough soother. Found in some alcohol-free pediatric cough syrups.
– Menthol/eucalyptus – cough suppressants and throat soothing agents. Used in alcohol-free lozenges and syrups.
– Zinc – may reduce duration of cold symptoms, including cough. Available in alcohol-free lozenges and syrups.
So even without alcohol, you have plenty of options for relieving different types of coughs.
Over-the-counter (OTC) alcohol-free cough medicine
There are lots of OTC cough medicine options that don’t contain any alcohol:
Cough syrup
– Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough + Chest Congestion DM – contains dextromethorphan and guaifenesin
– Vicks DayQuil Cough – includes dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine
– Delsym 12 Hour Cough Relief – timed-release dextromethorphan
– Mucinex Fast-Max DM Max – dextromethorphan and guaifenesin
– Buckley’s Cough Mixture – ammonium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, menthol
Cough drops and lozenges
– Halls Sugar Free Cough Drops – menthol cough suppressant
– Ricola Cough Suppressant Herb Drops – herbs and menthol
– Cepacol Sensations Cough Drops – benzocaine and menthol
– Zarbee’s Naturals Cough Syrup with Dark Honey – honey soother
– Luden’s Wild Cherry Cough Drops – menthol and eucalyptus
Cough tablets
– Vicks DayQuil Cough Relief Tablets – dextromethorphan and phenylephrine
– Robitussin Cough + Chest Congestion DM Max tablets – dextromethorphan and guaifenesin
– Delsym 12 Hour Cough Relief tablets – timed-release dextromethorphan
– Mucinex Cough Mini-Melts tablets – guaifenesin
Cough liquids for kids
– Dimetapp Children’s Cold & Cough – dextromethorphan and phenylephrine
– Robitussin for Kids Cough + Chest Congestion DM – dextromethorphan and guaifenesin
– Zarbee’s Naturals Children’s Cough Syrup – dark honey
– Pediatric Relief Cough/Expectorant – guaifenesin
So whether you prefer syrup, lozenges, tablets, or liquid gels, there are lots of alcohol-free ways to get cough relief. Look for the active ingredients that treat your specific cough symptoms.
Prescription alcohol-free cough medicine
If OTC medicines aren’t getting the job done, your doctor may prescribe a stronger, alcohol-free cough medicine. Here are some options:
– Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) – capsules to stop coughs for up to 8 hours
– Dexchlorpheniramine/codeine (Tuzistra XR) – extended-release liquid for suppressing coughs
– Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine (Tussionex) – narcotic cough syrup
– Promethazine with codeine syrup – contains narcotic plus antihistamine
– Brompheniramine/hydrocodone/phenylephrine (Mytussin AC) – liquid cough suppressant
Prescription alcohol-free cough medicines contain higher doses and more powerful ingredients than OTC products. Be sure to take them only as directed by your doctor.
Home remedies for coughs without alcohol
You may also be able to find relief from natural, alcohol-free home remedies:
– Hot tea with honey, which has soothing properties
– Gargling with warm salt water, to ease throat irritation
– Sipping warm chicken broth, which can thin mucus
– Using a humidifier, to moisten and open airways
– Sucking on menthol cough drops, which have a cooling effect
– Drinking plenty of water, to avoid dehydration from coughing
While home remedies aren’t substitutes for medications, they can be helpful additions to alcohol-free OTC or prescription cough medicines.
Risks and side effects of alcohol-free cough medicine
Even without alcohol, cough medicines carry some risks:
– Dextromethorphan can cause drowsiness. Avoid driving and operating machinery.
– Guaifenesin may produce nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Take with food.
– Antihistamines like diphenhydramine can also cause drowsiness. Don’t take with other sedatives.
– Opiate cough suppressants like codeine are habit-forming and can be abused. Use only as directed.
To avoid potential problems, read labels carefully, follow dosing directions, and be aware of side effects and drug interactions. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor with any concerns.
Who should avoid cough medicine with or without alcohol?
These people should use caution or avoid cough medicine altogether:
– Children under age 4 – consult pediatrician before giving any cough/cold meds
– Older adults – more sensitive to drugs’ effects and side effects
– Pregnant women – check with OB/GYN about risks to baby
– People taking antidepressants – can interact with dextromethorphan
– Recovering alcoholics – alcohol-free is a safer choice
– People with certain medical conditions – ask doctor about medication interactions
When in doubt, call your doctor before taking any new medications, even over-the-counter ones.
Conclusion
So do they make cough medicine without alcohol? Definitely. From OTC syrups to prescription pills, there are lots of alcohol-free ways to address coughs. Read the active ingredients and labels to find one that fits your needs. Take note of any potential side effects or drug interactions. And when home remedies aren’t enough, see your doctor for stronger alcohol-free medicine options. The right cough treatment, alcohol-free or not, can help suppress your cough and get you back to 100% again.