Coughing is a common symptom that most people experience each year.  Whether it's due to a cold, allergies, or another underlying condition, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive and hold you back.  If you're in New Zealand and seeking relief, understanding the types of cough syrups available, their uses, and safety tips will guide you to the right choice.  Here's a comprehensive guide to cough syrup in NZ, including both natural and over-the-counter options.

Understanding Cough Syrup

Cough syrup is a type of liquid medicine designed to suppress or relieve coughing.  It often contains active ingredients that target various aspects of a cough, such as its cause or symptoms.  In New Zealand, there are multiple options available, ranging from natural remedies to over-the-counter medications.

Types of Cough Syrup

Cough syrups can generally be categorised into several types.  Each is designed to address specific symptoms or needs.

1. Expectorants

Expectorants help to thin mucus, making it easier to cough up phlegm from the respiratory tract.  This is particularly helpful for productive coughs where mucus is present.  Common pharmaceutical active ingredients include guaifenesin.

2. Suppressants

Suppressants, also known as antitussives, work by calming the cough reflex.  These are typically used for dry, hacking coughs that do not produce mucus.  Dextromethorphan is a common pharmaceutical suppressant found in many over-the-counter cough syrups in NZ.  Suppressants are often used at night to help reduce the nighttime cough reflex to ensure that better sleep can be achieved.

3. Combination Syrups

Combination syrups contain both expectorants and suppressants, aiming to treat multiple symptoms at once.  These can be useful if you're experiencing both a dry cough and suffering from mucus production.

4. Natural Cough Syrup

For those who prefer natural remedies, there are options that incorporate ingredients including honey, ginger, and herbal extracts.  These natural cough syrups are normally free from artificial colours and flavours and added sugar, appealing to those looking for a more holistic approach.  These can have the actions of suppressing, soothing and expectorating or a combination.  

There are certain natural herbs which are important in a cough syrup based on traditional medicinal use and backed by scientific evidence.   These include:

•    Elecampane
•    Eucalyptus
•    Ginger 
•    Horseradish 
•    Hyssop
•    Liquorice
•    Mullein
•    Marshmallow
•    Slippery Elm
•    Thyme
•    White Horehound
•    Wild Cherry

Speaking to a Naturopath or Pharmacist can help you find which cough syrup formula will work best for you.

Importantly for natural cough syrups you should be looking for therapeutic levels of each herb in a dose.  Because there is less regulation in natural medicines, many companies put trace amounts of some herbs to inflate their perceived efficacy.  The best way to understand the quality of a Natural Cough Syrup is if it is made to Good Manufacturing Practice standards for medical quality products.  This is the minimum standard required in many markets including throughout Europe, UK and Australia.  Further with natural products sold in New Zealand which also that meet the Australian listed medicine standards, you can be confident that the level of an active ingredient meets the required efficacy level.

Uses of Cough Syrup

Cough syrups are used to provide relief from coughing and associated symptoms.  Here's how they can help:

• Soothing the Throat:  Many cough syrups contain ingredients that coat the throat, reducing irritation and providing a level of immediate relief.
• Reducing Coughing Frequency:  Suppressants reduce how often you cough, making it easier to rest and recover.
• Easing Breathing:  Expectorants can help clear mucus from the airways, improving airflow and reducing congestion.
  

Choosing the Right Cough Syrup

Selecting the best cough syrup in NZ depends on the type of cough and personal preferences:

• For Dry Coughs:  Opt for a suppressant to calm the cough reflex.
• For Wet Coughs:  Choose an expectorant to help clear mucus.
  
• For a dry and wet cough:  Choose a combination product which can both suppress and expectorate.
• For Natural Preference:  Look for syrups with natural ingredients that suit your lifestyle.
• Natural cough syrups can be for dry, wet or a combination of the two and will have fewer or no side effects. 
  

Safety Tips for Using Cough Syrup

While cough syrups can be effective, it's essential to use them safely:

Dosage and Administration

Follow Instructions: Always adhere to the recommended dosage on the label or as prescribed by a health professional.

Age Considerations: Some cough syrups are not suitable for children under a certain age. Check labels carefully and consult with a doctor for young children.  If they include honey for children under age 1, make sure that they are made in a medical standard GMP facility.

Potential Side Effects

Drowsiness:  Some cough syrups, especially those containing sedative ingredients, may cause drowsiness.  Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience this side effect.

Allergic Reactions:  Be aware of potential allergies to ingredients, especially in natural syrups with multiple components.

Interactions with Other Medications

Consult a doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist: If you're taking other medications, check with a health professional to avoid interactions that could decrease effectiveness or increase side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use cough syrup for extended periods?

Cough syrups are generally intended for short-term use to solve the immediate problem.  If your cough persists for more than a few weeks, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional to rule out wider underlying conditions.  If, however, a driver of your cough is as a result of years of smoking, using an appropriate natural cough syrup long-term as a preventative may be beneficial and safe.

Can I make my own natural cough syrup at home?

Yes, many people create their own natural cough remedies using ingredients like honey, lemon, and ginger.  Ensure, however, you're using safe, recommended practices to avoid any adverse effects.

What is the best cough syrup in NZ?

The best cough syrup depends on individual needs and symptoms.  Consulting with a community pharmacist or doctor can help you choose the most suitable option.
Does honey help work for a cough?

Honey can help soothe and suppress coughs.  The antimicrobial nature of medicine grade manuka honey can help reduce the symptoms of a cough and reduce the cough reflex.

Are there Honey Free natural cough syrup types?

Although there are many natural cough syrups which use honey, there are also honey free natural cough syrup alternatives which allow people who are allergic to honey or vegan benefit from natural cough syrups.  These will have plant-based substitutes which still soothe and suppress your cough.

How can I improve cough syrup effectiveness?

• Stay hydrated: Water improves the effectiveness of the immune system and ensures you are producing thinner mucus which is easier to express
• Sleep and rest: Sleep improves the immune response
• Exposure to sun: Getting vitamin D can activate your immune system
• Humidifier or steamy hot shower: Humid air helps loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up.  It can also soothe irritated throats.

How do I sleep when I am coughing too much?

Sometimes sleep can be difficult to achieve when you are struck down with a cough which can impact recovery and quality of life.  There are types of cough syrups which have been developed specifically to help suppress the cough so that getting to sleep sooner and staying asleep longer is possible.

My child has a cough can they take cough syrup?

Many healthcare professionals will not prescribe prescription medicine for infants and children due to there not being child safe versions. However if you talk with your pharmacist, nurse practitioner, doctor or naturopath about what they will recommend there are a range of pharmacy grade children’s cough syrups available in New Zealand which can help supress coughs, expectorate mucus or both at the same time. 

Conclusion

Cough syrups can be an effective way to manage and relieve coughing symptoms.  In New Zealand, you have access to a variety of options, from over-the-counter medications to natural remedies.  By understanding the different types of cough syrup and following safety tips, you can choose the right product to alleviate your discomfort and promote healing.  Always remember to consult healthcare professionals when in doubt, especially when it comes to long-term use or for children.