Lancaster, KY
A 26-year-old female asked:
What cough medicine is best for patients that have chf congestive heart failure?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Andrew Kaplananswered
Cardiology 36 years experience
None, really: Coughing is related to having fluid in the lungs. It is not going to respond to a cough suppressant or expectorant. It responds to diuretics, which help to remove the fluid from the lungs.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Richard Humesanswered
43 years experience
No perfect answer: Probably best to avoid combination medicines which contain pseudoephedrine, which many do. This speeds up your heart. Diphenhydramine (benedryl) can dry up secretions. However, it is important to understand that the cough may be due to the chf. Also medications commonly used to treat CHF (ace inhibitors - often end with ..Pril) can sometimes cause a chronic dry cough. Talk to your md.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 28, 2021
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