What are common cough syrup ingredients?

Answer by  primatefreak (1616)

OTC's range between 2.3% to 10% alcohol. Two types of cough syrups: #1 expectorant- used for a moist cough due to excess mucous, to break up mucous. #2 antitussive- works on the central nervous system to suppress cough reflex. Hard on the body to fight cold and alcohol you ingest.

Answer by  mooly398 (140)

Alcohol is not the active ingredient in cough medicine. Common active ingredients include guaifenesin, which loosens phlegm in the chest; dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant; and decongestants like pseudoephedrine.

Answer by  lady1 (69)

A lot of cough syrups do include alcohol but its not usually the active ingredient. Most cough syrups have some kind of cough suppresant in them like Dextromethorphan, one of the active ingredients in NyQuil. Some old folk medicine recipes do suggest liquor poured into hot tea for colds.