Question 1

what is the strongest over-the-counter expectorant i have  emphysema and my doctor doesn't believe in any sort of cough medicine ..

Accepted Answer

GG: Some patients feel that Mucinex (guaifenesin) which is glyceryl guaiacolate helps to thin the mucus and make it easier to cough out.  The cough might be much better treated by one of the combination inhaled steroids-long acting bronchodilators available by prescription.  Spiriva, also by prescription might also help.  It may be time to see a pulmonary specialist.

Question 2

do over-the-counter cough expectorants really work?

Accepted Answer

Expectorants: Yes, they work, but don't expect miracles.  They can help during a cold, but they do not completely get rid of the cough.  They usually just make the coughing less severe.  Feel better!

Question 3

what is the best to use for toddlers? mucolytic or expectorant?

Accepted Answer

Neither: Neither one works as well as honey.

Question 4

do otc expectorants like mucinex offer any long term benefit for clearing symptoms permanently? or do they just mask symptoms, and its better to let your immune system do the work?

Accepted Answer

: Mucinex and immune system address different issues. Mucinex provides symptomatic relief by facilitating clearance of excessive respiratory secretions and mucus.

Question 5

what are the best for cough, cold, fever, chills, expectorant?

Accepted Answer

Manage symptoms: Saline nasal rinses, hydration and Mucinex can help to clear mucous.  Benadryl can thicken mucus so avoid.   Honey and dextromethorphin can reduce the cough. Sudafed can treat the congestion.   Tylenol (acetaminophen) and/ or advil for fever and aches.

Question 6

what is the best cough expectorant? i don't want a cough suppressant because i want to get the mucous out.

Accepted Answer

Expectorant: Guaifenesin containg cough medicines work best as expectorants.

Question 7

okay my lungs hurt! coming up on 3 weeks cig free, i can breathe a little better, always coughing up black stuff. is there a natural/otc expectorant?

Accepted Answer

lung pain: Congrats on remaining off of cigs! for lung pain and cough you should get checked by your primary care doctor for asthma, pleurisy, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other lung problems. Mucinex (guaifenesin) is an otc med that might help, but having a doctor listen to your lungs and examine you is important. Good luck!

Question 8

93 y/o female. been coughing up phlegm   still clear/white   hx of asthma  has a symbicort (budesonide and formoterol) inhaler. no helping. what can i do? otc expectorant no help

Accepted Answer

Take her to doctor: Need to be examined by physician , to rule out respiratory infection including pneumonia

Question 9

i have been experiencing extreme phlegm. i've tried nasal washes, gargling with salt water, blowing my nose, otc expectorant & trying to cough it up. it's causing nausea. i'm also sweating (dripping) at the slightest exertion, like hanging a picture?

Accepted Answer

: The sweats are clues. You may be experiencing a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Have you had a recent head cold which has now migrated down to your tracheobronchial tree?  Any fever? Is the phlegm discolored? If so this may be bacterial at this time requiring antibiotics. Drink plenty of fluids,continue expectorants&amp; see your physician if you're not improving.

Question 10

is it ok to continue taking metformin even if i don't have polycystic ovaries anymore? is it true it counters the effect of otc pills (weight gain)

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you have Insulin resistance or even diabetes metformin is fine to take.  Some people have lost weight on metformin, perhaps due to GI side effects.  I haven't heard that it can interfere with diet pills but those can be dangerous on their own.

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Doctor answers about:

Best over the counter expectorant

A member asked:

What is the strongest over-the-counter expectorant i have emphysema and my doctor doesn't believe in any sort of cough medicine ..

A member asked:

Do over-the-counter cough expectorants really work?

A member asked:

What is the best to use for toddlers? mucolytic or expectorant?

A member asked:

Do otc expectorants like mucinex offer any long term benefit for clearing symptoms permanently? or do they just mask symptoms, and its better to let your immune system do the work?

A member asked:

What are the best for cough, cold, fever, chills, expectorant?

A member asked:

What is the best cough expectorant? i don't want a cough suppressant because i want to get the mucous out.

A member asked:

Okay my lungs hurt! coming up on 3 weeks cig free, i can breathe a little better, always coughing up black stuff. is there a natural/otc expectorant?

A member asked:

93 y/o female. been coughing up phlegm still clear/white hx of asthma has a symbicort (budesonide and formoterol) inhaler. no helping. what can i do? otc expectorant no help

A member asked:

I have been experiencing extreme phlegm. i've tried nasal washes, gargling with salt water, blowing my nose, otc expectorant & trying to cough it up. it's causing nausea. i'm also sweating (dripping) at the slightest exertion, like hanging a picture?

A member asked:

Is it ok to continue taking metformin even if i don't have polycystic ovaries anymore? is it true it counters the effect of otc pills (weight gain)

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