Coughing can come from many causes — dry air, seasonal colds, allergies, or even fatigue. In Japan, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines available, but choosing the right one depends on your symptoms and the active ingredients.
Here’s a guide to help you select the most suitable Japanese cough medicine based on your cough type, severity, and lifestyle.
Symptoms Covered in This Guide;
- Dry Cough
- Wet Cough With Phlegm
- Strong Cough
Find the Right Ingredient for Your Cough
The most suitable cough medicine depends on the type of cough you have and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Use the flowchart below to find out which active ingredient is best for your current condition.
- “If your result was #1, click here
- “If your result was #2, click here
- “If your result was #3, click here
Non-narcotic Antitussives
1st Place: Medicon Cough Suppressant Tablets Pro(メジコンせき止め錠Pro)
Best for: Dry, tickly coughs, Night-time coughing, Fast relief without drowsiness
Main ingredient: Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide Hydrate (non-narcotic antitussive)
Highlights:
- Contains the same dosage of dextromethorphan as prescription-grade medicine (30mg per dose)
- Effectively calms the cough center in the brain, easing dry and irritating coughs
- Convenient tablet format and easy-to-carry SP packaging make it great for on-the-go use
- Dosage: 2 tablets, 3 times daily at intervals of four hours or more.(for ages 15 and up)
⚠️ Cautions:
- Avoid combining with other medications that contain dextromethorphan
- Not suitable for wet or phlegmy coughs
- Not for use in children under 15
- Slight drowsiness may occur—avoid driving or operating machinery if uncertain
2nd Place: Shin Contac Cough Suppressant Double Action (新コンタックせき止めダブル持続性)
Best for: Persistent dry coughs, Coughs with phlegm
Main ingredients: Diprophylline (bronchodilator), Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide (non-narcotic antitussive)
✅ Highlights:
- Dual-action formula: Soothes coughs and helps expel phlegm
- Unique double-layer granule capsule: fast-acting outer layer + long-lasting inner layer
- Just 1 capsule twice a day offers up to 12 hours of continuous relief
- Excellent for those managing both dry cough and productive cough
⚠️ Cautions:
- Avoid combining with other dextromethorphan-containing products
- Not suitable for children under 15
- May cause mild drowsiness in some individuals
- Swallow capsules whole—do not chew
Narcotic Antitussives
1st Place: Aneton Cough Suppressant Tablets (アネトンせき止め錠)
Best for: Persistent coughs, Coughs with phlegm, Allergy-related coughs
Main ingredient: Codeine phosphate hydrate (narcotic antitussive)
✅Highlights:
- Contains Codeine, a powerful cough suppressant that works directly on the brain’s cough center
- Also includes ingredients to expand airways, reduce allergy-triggered coughing, and make phlegm easier to expel
- Film-coated tablets for smoother swallowing
- Safe for use from age 12 and up
- Can be taken up to 4 times a day (after meals and at bedtime)
💊 Key Ingredients (per adult daily dose of 12 tablets):
- Codeine phosphate hydrate (50 mg): Suppresses cough at its neurological source
- dl-Methylephedrine hydrochloride (75 mg): Opens airways and calms bronchial spasms
- Chlorpheniramine maleate (12 mg): Antihistamine to reduce allergy-induced cough
- Caffeine anhydrous (60 mg): Boosts effect and reduces drowsiness
- Senega dry extract (89.82 mg): Helps thin mucus and clear phlegm
⚠️ Cautions:
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if drowsiness occurs
- Contains codeine → Not suitable for children under 12 or people sensitive to opioids
- May cause drowsiness or constipation
- Do not combine with other codeine products or sedatives
- Follow dosage instructions strictly, especially for minors
2nd Place: Cool One Cough Medicine GX Plus (クールワンせき止めGXプラス)
Best for: Persistent cough, phlegm, and sore throat due to cold
Main ingredients: Dihydrocodeine, L-carbocisteine, Tranexamic acid
✅ Highlights:
- Combines five active ingredients to relieve stubborn coughs and sore throats
- Dihydrocodeine Phosphate calms the cough center in the brain to suppress dry, painful coughs
- L-Carbocisteine thins sticky phlegm and helps repair airway linings
- Tranexamic Acid reduces inflammation and relieves sore throat symptoms
- Effective for coughs caused by colds, especially when they disturb sleep
⚠️ Cautions:
- Follow dosage instructions carefully — take after meals, 3 times daily
- Contains codeine derivative — avoid use with other similar products
- May cause drowsiness; use caution when driving or operating machinery
- Not suitable for children under 12
Narcotic Antitussives + expectorant
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