Los Angeles, CA
A 23-year-old male asked:
What is the most effective cough suppressant? would numbing type like benzocaine help as well?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Holly Maesanswered
Pediatrics 37 years experience
OTC or Rx?: Over the counter, dextromethorphan is probably the best cough suppressant available. Just be sure the one you buy doesn't contain other ingredients, particularly expectorants which make you cough more. Prescription medication such as Codeine also quite effective. Numbing medications will not help at all and taking those for cough could be dangerous, putting you at risk for aspiration.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 4, 2018
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