Cough syrup comparison 2020
The 12 best expectorants and cough suppressants at a glance.
When you scratch your throat for the first time and get the first signs of a viral infection, you should act quickly. Herbal cough syrups are often harmless for self-medication, in contrast, we advise you, medical advice if symptoms are serious catch up.
In our test or comparison table you will find various products that we have regarding Active ingredients and additives compared with each other. You will also learn which cough syrup particularly well tolerated is and therefore can also be taken by children.
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| model | Hübner fir blood bronchial syrup | Engelhard Arzneimittel Prospan cough syrup | Procter & Gamble Wick MediNait cold syrup | Steigerwald phytohustil antitussive syrup | Boehringer Ingelheim Mucosolvan cough syrup | Ascopharm Spitzwegerich cough syrup V | Tetesept Herbal cough suppressant | Krewel Meuselbach Aspecton cough syrup | Dr. Willmar Schwabe Umckaloabo drops | SCIO Bronchial Cough Syrup | Boehringer Ingelheim Bisolvon cough syrup | Ratiopharm Ambroxol cough syrup |
| valuation on Amazon |
67 reviews | 25 reviews | 110 reviews | 9 reviews | 9 reviews | 7 reviews | 11 reviews | 3 reviews | 24 reviews | 15 ratings | ||
| Pharmacy required Free for sale | free for sale | free for sale | in pharmacies | free for sale | in pharmacies | free for sale | free for sale | in pharmacies | in pharmacies | free for sale | in pharmacies | in pharmacies |
| Recommended age of the manufacturer |
from 12 years | from 1 year | from 16 years | from 1 year | from 2 years | from 1 year | from 1 year | from 1 year | from 1 year | from 12 years | from age 6 | from 2 years |
| application | expectorant with stuck mucus |
expectorant with stuck mucus |
cough suppressants for unproductive cough |
cough suppressants for unproductive cough |
expectorant with stuck mucus |
cough suppressants for unproductive cough |
cough suppressants for unproductive cough |
cough suppressants for unproductive cough |
cough suppressants for unproductive cough |
cough suppressants for unproductive cough |
cough suppressants for unproductive cough |
expectorant with stuck mucus |
| effect | ||||||||||||
| Soothes the urge to cough | very effective | very effective | particularly effective | very effective | very effective | particularly effective | particularly effective | effective | very effective | very effective | very effective | very effective |
| Free the bronchi | very effective | very effective | very effective | very effective | very effective | effective | very effective | very effective | very effective | particularly expectorant | particularly effective | very effective |
| Loosens the slime | particularly expectorant | particularly expectorant | very expectorant | very expectorant | particularly expectorant | very expectorant | expectorant | particularly expectorant | expectorant | very expectorant | very expectorant | particularly expectorant |
| anti-inflammatory | very effective | effective | particularly effective | effective | effective | effective | effective | effective | effective | very effective | very effective | effective |
| ingredients | ||||||||||||
| Drug type | vegetable | vegetable | chemical pharmaceutically | vegetable | chemical pharmaceutically | vegetable | vegetable | vegetable | vegetable | vegetable | chemical pharmaceutically | chemical pharmaceutically |
| active substance | sage leaves | ivy | paracetamol | Marshmallow | ambroxol | Ribwort | Icelandic moss extract | thyme | South African Cape Geranium | thyme | bromhexine | ambroxol |
| Other active ingredients |
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| Without flavorings | ||||||||||||
| Without alcohol | ||||||||||||
| Sugar free | ||||||||||||
| dosage & product details | ||||||||||||
| dosage | 3 times a day | 3 times a day | 3 times a day | 3 to 6 times a day | 3 times a day | 4 times a day | 3 times a day | 3 times a day | 3 times a day | 3 times a day | 3 times a day | 3 times a day |
| consistency | liquid | thick | liquid | thick | liquid | liquid | liquid | liquid | liquid | liquid | liquid | thick |
| quantity | 500 ml € 3.12 per 100 ml |
100 ml € 4.67 per 100 ml |
180 ml € 4.70 per 100 ml |
150 ml € 5.26 per 100 ml |
250 ml € 5.46 per 100 ml |
250 ml € 1.90 per 100 ml |
125 ml € 1.78 per 100 ml |
200 ml € 3.83 per 100 ml |
100 ml € 24.10 per 100 ml |
250 ml € 4.00 per 100 ml |
100 ml € 9.61 per 100 ml |
250 ml € 0.90 per 100 ml |
| durability after opening |
6 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 5 months | 1 month | 3 months | 3 months | 1 month | 3 months | 3 months |
| benefits |
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| Questions and answers about the product | Questions and answers about Hübner fir blood bronchial syrup | Questions and answers about Engelhard Arzneimittel Prospan cough syrup | Questions and answers about Procter & Gamble Wick MediNait cold syrup | Questions and answers about Steigerwald phytohustil antitussive syrup | Questions and answers about Boehringer Ingelheim Mucosolvan cough syrup | Questions and answers about Ascopharm Spitzwegerich Hustensaft V | Questions and answers about Tetesept herbal cough suppressant | Questions and answers about Krewel Meuselbach Aspecton cough syrup | Questions and answers about Dr. Willmar Schwabe Umckaloabo drops | Questions and answers about SCIO bronchial cough syrup | Questions and answers about Boehringer Ingelheim Bisolvon cough syrup | Questions and answers about Ratiopharm Ambroxol cough syrup |
| to offer | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " |
| Available at* |
- approx. 14 € To the offer »
- Researched products
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- Cough is the most common side effect of viral infections such as an explanation or bronchitis. A cough disease can occur in different disease courses and lasts an average of 8 to 10 days.
- In addition to herbal cough syrups with ivy or thyme, there are also chemical-pharmaceutical drugs that help quickly against acute irritable cough. Ambroxol, along with bromhexine and acetylcysteine, is one of the best-known cough relievers that loosen stuck mucus in the bronchi
- Over-the-counter medications are suitable for the first treatment. However, if the symptoms do not improve promptly, we advise you to seek medical advice.
According to Statista, 76% of women and 70% of men in Germany reported having been ill at least 1 to 3 times in 2017. When the next cold wave is announced, many affected people now resort to self-medication. The viral infections are often accompanied by cough, which can be counteracted with the help of over-the-counter and pharmacy-only drugs.
Why are we coughing??
Cough is not an independent disease.
It is a natural reflex with which our body cleans the airways from foreign bodies.
It is also a concomitant symptom of a flu infection, cold or bronchitis.
If you decide to buy cough syrup without first seeing a doctor, you should Be sure to read and follow the package leaflet carefully. The medical effects of over-the-counter medications should not be underestimated.
In our cough syrup comparison 2019/2020 we explain the difference between herbal and medical medicines, which manufacturers are there, what effects certain ingredients have and what you should pay attention to when buying cough syrup.
Thyme, ivy and eucalyptus in particular are popular herbs that help against a cough or a cold.
1. Herbal medicine: The good from the roots of nature
For symptoms such as cough, you can take non-prescription drugs from the pharmacy. As soon as symptoms such as fever, severe body aches or shortness of breath appear, you should definitely consult a doctor.
There are both herbal and chemical active ingredients that are approved for self-medication. Herbal medicines are the safer and more tolerable option, also with regard to children. Herbal cough syrups can contain the following active ingredients:
| Herbal ingredients | effect |
|---|---|
| Ivy leaves |
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removes stuck mucus from the bronchi
relieves the cough
- Ingredients: 1 to 2.5 percent essential oil
- Substances: Thymol The natural product has a strong disinfectant, fungicidal and bactericidal effect. and Carvacrol The terpenoid natural substance has an anti-inflammatory effect as an antibiotic.
relaxes the bronchial muscles
has a slightly analgesic effect
removes stuck mucus from the airways
- Ingredients: 1,8-cineol, alongside alpha-pinene and limonene
- Substances: tannins
removes tough mucus from the bronchi
helps against runny nose and cough
Concentrated thyme oil can irritate the mucous membranes. Make sure that you always use diluted thyme oil!
Among others, these brands have specialized in herbal medicines:
- Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co
- Steigerwald GmbH
- Hübner
- ASCOPHARM
2. Synthetic drugs as a quick remedy
In the category of non-herbal medicinal products, there are some active ingredients that, in addition to expectorant properties, are also analgesic and antipyretic. Paracetamol is one of the best-known active ingredients, but should only be used for children after consulting a doctor.
| Cough reliever (expectorant) | Cough reliever (expectorant) | Pain reliever and antipyretic |
|---|---|---|
| Drug: bromhexine |
e.g. Bisolvon cough syrup
e.g. Mucosolvan cough syrup
e.g. Wick MediNait cold syrup
has an expectorant effect
promotes the expectoration of bronchial secretions
stimulates secretion production
reduces the viscosity (consistency) of the liquid loosens tough, stuck mucus
helps against acute cough
helps with acute sore throat
has a calming and analgesic effect
antipyretic overnight
in acute bronchitis
Infants and young children:
Should not inhale substances containing menthol.
Children under 12 years:
The active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) should be avoided.
pregnant:
For the safety of your unborn baby, we also recommend that you do not take any herbal medication without your doctor’s consent.
3. Glucose, sucrose or sugar? There are many descriptions of an ingredient
What are parabens?
Some herbal and chemical cough suppressants contain parabens.
These are Preservative that has antimicrobial properties against fungus and bacteria to have.
This extends the shelf life of the drugs.
Whether vegetable or chemical-pharmaceutical: cough syrup tests have shown that many cough syrups contain sugar and a number of different preservatives.
When reading the package insert for the first time, it may be difficult to see what the individual additives really stand for. Many manufacturers use Latin or English terms, which can lead to confusion and incomprehension.
You should remember these terms:
| sugar | preservatives |
|---|---|
|
- potassium sorbate
- citric acid
- ascorbic acid
- Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (parabens)
- Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (parabens)
- benzoic acid
Citric acid should be used with caution
Citric acid is now found in many foods. But the acid is also omnipresent in medication, which has little to do with a fresh, sun-ripened lemon. Citric acid is considered Preservative and complexing agent used. Because citric acid reduces oxidation processes, changes in taste, smell and color are counteracted.
Beware of ammonia in cough syrup
Cough syrup tests show: Also ammonia is increasingly found in pharmaceuticals as an additive. It is a colorless, toxic, pungent smelling gas from the chemical components nitrogen and hydrogen. From a biological point of view, ammonia acts as important intermediate in the construction and degradation of amino acids. Nevertheless: It is toxic in large quantities and we use it both as a coolant and for the production of insect repellents!
Know what’s inside! Ingredients like citric acid, ammonia and macrogol should be avoided.
Cough syrup tests show possible side effects of herbal and chemical-pharmaceutical cough syrups:
- Allergic reaction: with associated shortness of breath, swelling, reddening of the skin, itching.
- Other drugs: Unknown interactions may occur when taken with other drugs
- Sugar: If you have an intolerance to some sugars, you should contact your doctor if the medicine contains, for example, sorbitol.
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Gastrointestinal complaints may occur. In addition, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting can result from an overdose. Rash and itching are also signs of hypersensitivity to the drug.
- paracetamol: An overdose, especially when taking other medicines containing paracetamol, can result in severe liver damage
4. Bronchitis, cold or flu: differences and similarities
What is the difference between bronchitis and a cold?
In principle, a cold is the colloquial umbrella term for all acute infectious diseases of the respiratory tract. This includes bronchitis, which is an infection caused by viruses.
4.1. From virus to runny nose: how an infection develops
Every time you inhale, the air flows through your respiratory system in this order: Nose, oral cavity, trachea, bronchi and finally the lungs.
If you catch a cold, viruses attack exactly these respiratory organs and unbalance your breathing process.
Each course of the disease can look different and be characterized by individual side effects. Some people complain of an additional sore throat when they have a cold, while others have a runny nose.
4.2. What distinguishes a flu from a cold?
The flu is an infection with the so-called influenza virus. In specialist circles, the flu is therefore also called "influenza". At a Colds, on the other hand, are over 200 different types of viruses, which are considered as transmitters for the disease.
The course of the disease also differs. During one Flu usually begins suddenly, announces a cold with mild symptoms (such as a sore throat). In addition, fever is often a concomitant symptom of the flu, which only occurs in some cases with a cold.
For that is Runny nose a symptom that is always associated with a cold is associated, while colds rarely occur with flu
The typical course of a cold.
4.3. Course of the disease: This is how long a cold and flu last
A common saying goes: "A cold comes three days, stays three days, goes three days".
This statement can actually be adopted as a rule of thumb for the course of the disease of a cough infection. A simple cold lasts an average of 8 to 10 days. The symptoms are usually most pronounced in the middle.
Health is compromised when viruses enter the body’s immune system and spread throughout the body. The Body builds protective mechanisms, who fight against the pathogens. The Airways protect themselves with the formation of mucous membranes, the pathogens stop spreading. So-called phagocytes also recognize viruses and then produce antibodies that act against the pathogens.
The runny nose is particularly long, So the runny nose, which is a constant companion of every cold. Headaches, body aches and circulatory problems can occur for different lengths of time.
In the case of flu, the course of the disease can extend up to a week.
5. Buying advice for cough syrups: You have to pay attention to this
When making your purchase decision, you should pay particular attention to your symptoms. There is a suitable remedy for each phase of the disease:
dry cough at night: cough suppressant
slimy cough: herbal active ingredients for coughing up
The best cough syrup focuses on a specific ingredient. So-called Combination preparations contain several active substances at the same time and advertise to fight several symptoms at the same time. Since the combination of different active ingredients in the same drug can lead to a higher risk of side effects, cough syrup test results recommend, Treat symptoms largely individually.
When you buy a cough syrup, you should especially make sure that you not allergic to any ingredients. Diabetics should also check what kind of sugar is in the medicine. Check the package insert for the problematic auxiliary substances.
Some cough suppressants also contain Gelatin as a thickener. Vegetarians should make sure that a multiple sugar is used as a binding agent.
Stiftung Warentest also examined the effectiveness of various types of cough suppressants. A total of 30 cough syrups were tested in the cough syrup test of the Stiftung Warentest. In the judgment Warentest warns of a risk of addiction to cough syrups that contain alcohol.
The overall judgment is also overshadowed by inadequate statements from studies on the effects and side effects of cough syrups.
Advantages and disadvantages of herbal medicines compared to synthetic agents:
- well tolerated and mild
- not addictive
- mostly also suitable for children
- slow effectiveness in acute bronchitis
Many over-the-counter medications are also suitable for children.
6. A week without improvement? Now is the time to go to the doctor at the latest!
Even if the possibilities of self-medication are varied, in some cases it is advisable to see a doctor.
The following symptoms should be clarified by a doctor:
- persistent high fever (from 39˚ C and more)
- acute earache
- persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing
- persistent body aches
- persistent fatigue and weakness
- the symptoms did not improve after 7 days
Remember: It takes time to get well. With the more than 200 known pathogens of a cold, there is not one miracle cure. Give your body a lot of rest!
A relaxing bath can work wonders.
7. Inhaling has an expectorant effect: Natural home remedies for cough
You can find out more about health here
The best medicine for colds? Prevention! Strengthen your body with vitamins before the cold wave weakens you and makes your immune system vulnerable to diseases:
- Freshly squeezed fruits for that extra kick of vitamin C: Nothing beats a freshly squeezed juice that is filled to the top with energy. Oranges, blood oranges and grapefruit, for example, are absolute vitamin boosters. With a dash of lemon or lime, the drink gets a very special taste – and even more vitamin C! Does that sound good? Then take a look at our smoothie maker test!
- Vitamin intake for the lazy: The vitamin C sounds obvious, but you don’t have the time or the desire to stand in front of the smoothie mixer every day? Multivitamin tablets are the ideal solution when things have to go quickly.
In addition: onions are a real miracle cure for colds. Onions contain anti-inflammatory substances that help cough, sore throat or ear pain. In addition to vitamin C and potassium, the vegetables also contain biotin and many flavonoids.
By the Inhale from an isotonic saline solution (e.g. with an inhaler) mucus blockages can be released and symptoms of bronchitis and cold, as well as from runny nose or asthma, can be alleviated. Nasal douches or nasal aspirators also help to clear the nose.
A Isotonic saline solution is mixed in a ratio of 9 g of sodium chloride / sodium chloride to 1 liter of water. Optionally, a few drops of essential oils such as eucalyptus and thyme can be applied to 2 liters of water. In both cases, the water is brought to a boil and then carefully poured into a bowl. While covering your head with a large towel, you can now hold your face close to the bowl and breathe in and out deeply through your nose.
A soothing bath Not only relaxes your muscles, but can also stimulate your blood circulation. If you feel like you are seeing the first signs of a cold, this is the ideal time for a warm cold bath. Essential oils such as eucalyptus, menthol, spruce or thyme also calm the mind. Fill your bathtub with water at 38 degrees. Then add your bath additive in the form of a few drops of your chosen oil. 10 minutes is a reasonable bathing time.
A cold bath is not appropriate for every course of the disease. If you have a strong cough, runny nose or fever, you should not take a hot bath. The body needs a lot of energy to adapt to the temperature difference. This can lead to circulatory problems or dizziness.
8. Questions and answers about coughing
Why should pregnant women, breastfeeding women and babies also be careful with herbal medicines??
What exactly are over-the-counter medicines?
Help homeopathic remedies for cough?
Homeopathy can support medical treatment. If the symptoms are clearly defined, homeopathic remedies can provide the right stimuli for self-healing. Schüßler salts are a popular alternative medical preparation.
Cough syrup can also help against smoker’s cough?
Note: The products in the table were only compared, not tested. Information and criteria were taken from the manufacturer information. The research for the advisory text comes from the Internet and from non-specialist personnel.
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