Sometimes we overindulge in heaty food which ends up irritating our throat and to make things worse, we often forget to drink enough water to relieve the irritation. This eventually leads to sore throat, discomfort, itchiness and cough.
To relieve yourself from cough, regardless of its origin, you can easily buy over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups at your nearest pharmacy. There are various brands available with their unique characteristics and ingredients that cater to the general public.
You no longer need to ponder the question of “which is the best syrup for cough?” as we have prepared a list of the best OTC cough syrups in Malaysia today.
Table of Contents
Why It’s Our Top Pick
This cough mixture may not be the most popular choice in the market today but based on our research, it deserves the title of being our top pick for its wonderful list of ingredients that makes it the best overall cough syrup. It helps dry and wet cough, soothes the throat and even relieves chronic respiratory diseases like bronchitis.
Overview
Pei Pa Lo works to clear heat, suppress cough and dissolve phlegm. One less-known fact is that infections like common cold and bronchitis typically have a pattern of phlegm-heat obstruction in the lungs which manifests as a productive cough with greasy, yellow sputum. As such, this mixture uses Pipaye to solve that issue by dissolving phlegm and suppressing cough.
Details
- Has herbal ingredients like Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae, Radix Peucedani and Radix Stemonae.
- Contains Honey to relieve sore throat
- Also contains caramel for easy swallow
Who is this for?
Based on the reviews, most users find this cough medicine to be effective in soothing irritated throat and chronic cough. Aside from its pleasant taste, the harmony of the natural ingredients in this mixture is another reason why you will love this mixture.
Overview
Besides being safe for consumption, Pei Pa Koa is a great option for children because of its sweet and pleasant taste as this cough syrup contains Honey to aid in soothing the throat. It also has various traditional herbs that work together to reduce symptoms of a common cold or sore throat.
The sweet, yummy taste of this traditional cough syrup is a bonus for many of its consumers. As for its efficacy, most of the users felt relief right after drinking the recommended dose for their specific age group.
Details
- Contains major herbs like Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae, Exocarpium Citri Grandis, Folium Eriobotryae, Mel, Radix Platycodonis and Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparatum.
- Has honey to aid in soothing the throat.
- Has the effect of quenching thirst, dry dampness and soothing the throat.
Who is this for?
Made with consideration of various age groups, the Pei Pa Koa cough syrup not only relieves cough for adults, but also for children from the age of 3 and onwards. This special cough syrup works in harmony to relieve cough and cold as it improves the condition of the lungs and clear lung heat.
Overview
With over 75 years of providing cough relief, the African Sea-Coconut mixture is made to be suitable for every household where it is safe to be taken by all ages when necessary. It is a demulcent that provides temporary relief of throat discomfort and protection of irritated areas in a sore mouth or throat.
This cough mixture is a family favourite for many reasons. It’s said to taste great and works safely on every family member regardless of the age group.
Details
- The key ingredient, Elm Bark, becomes gel-like after mixing with water which coats and soothes the throat.
- Contains Menthol, a cooling agent to soothe the throat to cure dry cough.
- Losses phlegm
Who is this for?
This African Sea-Coconut Cough Mixture is suitable for dry cough and safe for babies when parents or caregivers adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended dosages for babies. Parents do not face an issue when their children are suffering from a bad cough or sore throat as this cough mixture is safe for infants and its sweet taste eases a child’s compliance.
Overview
Formulated to expel phlegm from air passages, this cough mixture contains Guaifenesin as an expectorant to aid users in coughing up stubborn phlegm. During a cold, our air passages are congested and Guaifenesin loosens phlegm and mucus in the air passages for easy dislodgement upon coughing. This makes it easier to expel phlegm orally.
Details
- Contains active Guaifenesin that loosens and expels phlegm
- Suitable as an expectorant for the symptomatic relief of cough
- Alcohol-free to avoid excessive drowsiness
Who is this for?
The difference between a dry cough and a chesty cough is the presence of phlegm. Three Legs has concocted a formula that reduces phlegm for effective cough relief. Consumers that prefer a milder taste to their cough syrup would gravitate towards this product as it doesn’t taste as sweet as other cough syrups in the market.
Overview
Made with sugar control in mind, this cough mixture is sugar-free which makes it friendly for diabetic users that are either down with a cold or simply have a scratchy throat. The formula contains Diakof; a cough suppressant that is beneficial for diabetic patients as it reduces bronchial mucosal irritation and prevents possible bronchospasms. It is also a demulcent that soothes the airway.
Details
- The mixture contains mucolytic and expectorant properties which reduce the viscosity of respiratory secretions.
- Has honey to soothe irritation and pain after bouts of coughing.
- Produced with Himalaya’s sugar-free formula
Who is this for?
With many tasty and sweet cough syrups in the market, one can’t help but wonder which product offers a diabetic-friendly formula that would better suit their needs. Well, look no further as we have just the cough mixture for you.
Overview
Clinically proven with an abundance of clinical evidence in over 65,000 patients, this cough syrup effectively deals with chesty cough in adults and children. Firstly, it loosens and clears mucus from the airway which helps users to cough less frequently. It also breaks up chest mucus to relieve congestion. Lastly, the mixture opens and calms the airways which will soothe chest discomfort and alleviate any breathing difficulties.
Details
- The mixture stars Hedera Helix (ivy leaf) for relief of productive or chesty cough
- Non-drowsy, sugar-free formulation
- Carefully made using a patented extraction process
Who is this for?
Made famous for their cough syrup, Prospan’s cough mixture soothes chesty coughs by using ingredients that are backed with scientific and clinical evidence. People with a chronic chesty cough would go as far as saying that Prospan Cough Syrup has changed their lives for the better.
Overview
This cough syrup uses Herba Mentha Haplocalyx (Bo He), a popular traditional Chinese herbal medication for its high medicinal value. It is primarily responsible for providing fresh breath which makes it a suitable choice for cough relief for smokers. This cough mixture tastes great, clears the throat, relieves sore throat and improves bad breath.
Details
- Contains Radix Glycyrrhiza and Radix Platycodon Grandiflorum which relieve cold and sore throat, treat cough, reduce body heatiness and combat phlegm.
- Has Honey for easier swallowing and soothes throat
- Peppermint gives cooling effect on throat
Who is this for?
Smokers are especially susceptible to chronic cough but it shouldn’t be a worry as this can be easily relieved by cough syrups. Here, the Hurix Peppermint cough syrup is perfect for combating bad breath and improving dry cough from smoking.
Overview
With Guaifenesin as this brand’s expectorant of choice, this formula helps to dislodge mucus and phlegm within the airways which facilitates the process of expelling phlegm. Once phlegm is out of the way, the coughing symptoms will naturally reduce as there is nothing to be expelled by the body.
Besides that, its properties allow it to be effective in relieving chronic diseases like sinusitis and bronchitis.
Details
- Has Guaifenesin which loosens phlegms
- Apricot-flavoured with infused menthol
- Alcohol-free
Who is this for?
This formula focuses on relieving cough symptoms with the use of expectorants and each formula is tailor-made for age groups like adults and children. We recommend checking this one out if you are looking for alternative cough syrup for adults.
Overview
Hurix’s new and improved flu and cough syrup is a formula not to be missed if you’re down with a cold. It is easily obtainable over-the-counter and helps to soothe cough by reducing phlegm, relieving fever, cold, sore throat and reducing body heatiness.
These cough and flu symptoms are easily managed with a beautiful blend of herbal extracts that work synergistically in fighting against distressing symptoms which allows the patient to feel better and recover quicker.
Details
- Infused with menthol for cooling throat effect
- Contains Radix Glycyrrhiza and Radix Platycodon Grandiflorum which relieve cold and sore throat, treat cough, reduce body heatiness and combat phlegm.
- Improved formula
Who is this for?
Can you have a cough and flu at the same time? The answer is yes. Our nasal cavity has connections to the throat which allows the easy spread of infection from one place to the other. Well, Hurix 600 Flu Cough Syrup is here to save the day as it can most definitely aid your fight against cough, flu and fever.
Is cough syrup safe?
Over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups are generally safe for the general public as long as the manufacturer’s instructions are adhered to.
However, it is also safe if the dosages are manipulated based on the physician’s recommendation. Therefore, it is not advisable to change up the dosages by oneself without following the recommendations from manufacturers, pharmacists or physicians.
- So far, there is not enough medical evidence to support the “harmful or beneficial” effects of cough syrups for pregnant or lactating mothers.
- At the end of the day, an important point to note is to always consult physicians or pharmacists when in doubt about dosages for yourself or you are loved once.
- Lastly, OTC cough syrups aren’t to be mistaken with prescription cough syrups.
- Prescribed cough syrups are medicated and may cause side effects like drowsiness or if consumed in large amounts, addiction. So, rest assured that OTC cough syrups are safe for consumption for the general public.