What medicine should I take for cough and itchy throat in autumn?
Nov 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
During treatment for cough and itchy throat in autumn, commonly used medications include dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral solution, Chuanbei Pipa syrup, loratadine tablets, and Lanqin oral solution. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral solution is a centrally acting antitussive that suppresses the cough center in the medulla oblongata, alleviating dry coughs caused by autumn dryness or cold air irritation. With its mild taste and ease of administration, it is suitable for irritating coughs with little or no sputum.
During autumn, common medications used to treat coughing and itchy throat include dextromethorphan hydrobromide oral solution, Chuanbei Pipa Syrup, loratadine tablets, Lanyin Oral Liquid, and montelukast sodium tablets. Details are as follows:
1. Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Oral Solution: This is a centrally acting antitussive that suppresses the cough center in the medulla oblongata, helping relieve dry cough caused by dryness or cold air irritation in autumn. With a mild taste and easy administration, it is suitable for irritating coughs with little or no phlegm. It should be taken according to the recommended dosage to avoid overdose.
2. Chuanbei Pipa Syrup: A traditional Chinese medicine containing ingredients such as Fritillaria (Chuanbei) and Loquat Leaf, this syrup has effects of clearing heat, moistening the lungs, relieving cough, and soothing the throat. It helps alleviate itchy throat and cough due to autumn dryness, moisturizes the throat mucosa, and improves throat discomfort. It is particularly suitable for coughs caused by wind-heat or dryness pathogens.
3. Loratadine Tablets: An antihistamine medication, loratadine is effective when allergens such as pollen and dust mites increase during autumn, triggering allergic cough. It blocks allergic reactions and reduces allergy-related symptoms like itchy throat and paroxysmal cough. With a 24-hour duration of action, it effectively relieves symptoms of allergic cough.
4. Lanyin Oral Liquid: Contains ingredients such as Isatis root (Banlangen) and Scutellaria (Huangqin), known for clearing heat, detoxifying, relieving sore throat, and reducing swelling. It is suitable for itchy throat and cough caused by excessive internal heat or mild respiratory tract infections in autumn. It helps reduce throat inflammation and alleviate sensations of burning and pain. Its slightly sweet taste makes it palatable and easy to take.
5. Montelukast Sodium Tablets: A leukotriene receptor antagonist that inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators and reduces airway inflammation. It is ideal for cough and itchy throat triggered by heightened airway reactivity in autumn, especially effective for nighttime cough or cases associated with allergic rhinitis. Regular use is required for optimal effect.
Medication selection should be based on the type of cough (e.g., dry cough, productive cough, allergic cough), and must be done under medical supervision. In autumn, it's important to maintain indoor humidity, drink plenty of warm water to keep the throat moist, and avoid dry or dusty environments. If symptoms persist for more than one week without improvement, prompt medical re-evaluation is advised.
