What is best to take for a productive cough while at work vs when i have to sleep?

Cough issues:: First: stop smoking if you do smoke. Daytime cough (non-bacterial): i like cough drops, but medication you can take that wont make you drowsy: tessalon perles, zonatuss pills, Robitussin dm. Nighttime cough (non bacterial, non-asthma related): i like tussionex or Phenergan (promethazine) with codiene. See your doc. He will give you the right combo. You may need antibiotics. You may need a culture.

Cough suppresant: First you should be evaluated for the cause of the cough. There are over the counter medication with Robitussin (guaifenesin) as a base . If needed you should see your doctor for something stronger.