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I have a dry cough. What can I take?

A dry and hacking cough is called a nonproductive cough. Over-the-counter cough suppressants (antitussives) can provide relief. They're especially helpful if your cough is bothersome or keeps you awake at night. Cough suppressants are available in medications you take by mouth (such as >Robitussin DM syrup) and chest rubs you apply to your skin (>Vicks VapoRub).

Many oral cough suppressants contain the active ingredient dextromethorphan. It works on the cough center in the brain and calms the urge to cough. Although most people tolerate it well, it can cause slight drowsiness and stomach upset. It may cause a serious interaction with a class of prescription medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If you take phenelzine (brand name Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Eldepryl), or any other MAOI, don't take a product that contains dextromethorphan.

>Chest rubs often contain anesthetic or numbing agents called camphor or menthol. Vapors you inhale from chest rubs may numb the throat and relieve cough. Be sure to use a chest rub externally, and don't ingest it.

Sucking on cough drops and hard candy, and drinking lots of fluids may also help relieve dry coughs.

There are certain prescription medicines your doctor may prescribe if your cough persists. Certain diseases or drugs may cause a dry cough also. See your health care provider if your cough lasts for more than one week, or if you also have a fever, rash, or headache.

Sources:
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Mitchelson F. “Which Cough Mixture”, Australian Family Physician 27 (1998).
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2006.

This answer prepared 6/2/2000.
This information updated 12/14/2006.