Guide
Medicines for cough
Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-07-11 · How we create our content
A cough can be dry (irritating) or wet (with phlegm). For a wet cough, expectorants and mucolytics that thin the secretions are often used. Below are the commonly used active ingredients — choose one to see products and prices. The type of cough determines the appropriate remedy; if in doubt, ask a pharmacist.
This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
Dry (irritating) cough
For a dry cough, cough suppressants are sometimes used. The choice depends on the cause and they should not be combined with mucolytics without proper judgement. The choice of therapy depends on the type and cause of the cough.
Wet (productive) cough
For a wet cough, mucolytics and expectorants such as acetylcysteine, ambroxol and bromhexine are used. They thin the secretions and make them easier to clear. Mucolytics and cough suppressants are not routinely combined.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for a cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks, blood in the phlegm, chest pain, wheezing, blue lips, sudden worsening, difficulty breathing, high fever, or if the cough is in a small child or someone with asthma or chronic lung disease.
Commonly used active ingredients
Pick an ingredient to see products and prices.
Related categories
Products with current prices
Lowest prices from online pharmacies in this guide's categories — cheapest first.
ВЕТРОГОН СТРЪК 50 ГР. ТАЛОД
Талодерма · 50 ГР.
БОНБОНИ ЛУКЧЕТА БИЛКОВИ 90 ГР
ЗАХАРНИ ЗАВОДИ АД · 90 ГР
ЛУКЧЕТА БОНБОНИ С МЕД 90ГР
ЗАХАРНИ ЗАВОДИ АД · 90ГР
ЛУКЧЕТА ПРОТИВ КАШЛИЦА
ЗАХАРНИ ЗАВОДИ АД
МАЩЕРКА СТРЪК 50ГР. БИЛЕК
BILEC HERBS & HERBAL · 50ГР.
БЕНЗОАТ / SODIUM BENZOATE 20ГР
БЕНЗОАТ · 20ГР
Frequently asked questions
What medicines are used for a cough?
The choice depends on the type of cough. For a wet (productive) cough, mucolytics and expectorants such as ambroxol, acetylcysteine and bromhexine are often used; for a dry, irritating cough — cough suppressants. Choose an active ingredient above to see products and prices. This is general information, not medical advice.
How do I tell whether my cough is dry or wet?
A wet cough brings up secretions (phlegm), while a dry one is irritating, without phlegm. The type determines the appropriate remedy — mucolytics are for a wet cough. If in doubt, ask a pharmacist or doctor.
When does a cough need a doctor?
See a doctor for a cough lasting over 2–3 weeks, blood in the phlegm, chest pain, difficulty breathing, high fever, or if it is in a small child or someone with asthma or chronic lung disease.