Pharmacist advice
Cough
A cough often comes with a cold and can last longer than the other symptoms. Many coughs do not need a medicine.
A pharmacist cannot prescribe for this from this page.
What usually helps
- Fluids, rest, and humid air. Honey can soothe a cough in adults and in children over 1 year. Do not give honey to a baby under 1 year.
- Dextromethorphan is a cough-suppressant ingredient some older children and adults use. A pharmacist checks the age and other medicines first.
Talk to a pharmacist first
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- The person is under 12, unless the note below gives a different age.
- You take other medicines, or you have a long-term condition.
- A cough in a child under 6. Cough and cold medicines are not for young children.
See a doctor or call 911
- Coughing up blood, trouble breathing, or chest pain.
- A cough with a high fever, or a cough that lasts more than three weeks.
- Call 911 for severe trouble breathing or chest pain.
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Reviewed by a BC pharmacist.