10 Best Cough Medicines 2025 in the UK

Vicks VapoRub is a versatile product aimed at relieving several cold symptoms, including cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and nasal catarrh. It's suitable for both adults and children over the age of two, making it a great family-friendly option. The formulation comes in the form of a rub, which releases soothing vapors up to 8 hours, helping users breathe easier and sleep better. This quick action—starting in about a minute for nasal congestion—can be particularly beneficial for those seeking fast relief.

Its active ingredients like levomenthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, and turpentine oil are known for their decongesting properties, making it effective in controlling cold and flu symptoms. However, it is not a direct cough medicine but rather a topical ointment, which might require additional oral medication for severe coughs. As a rub, it may not be suitable for those preferring oral or liquid medicines.

The product is highly rated by users and is a popular choice in health care, ranking well in decongestants. While its fast-acting and long-lasting nature is a major plus, potential users should be mindful of skin sensitivity issues or allergies to its components. Always consult the product leaflet for detailed usage instructions and safety information.

Covonia Chesty Cough Sugar Free Syrup is designed for those experiencing chesty coughs and stubborn mucus. Ideal for adults and children aged 12 and above, its notable strength lies in being sugar and alcohol-free, making it suitable for diabetics and those avoiding alcohol. The syrup contains menthol as its active ingredient, which is known for its soothing properties on throat irritation and effectiveness in loosening mucus.

This formulation is advantageous for vegetarians and vegans, as well as individuals with dietary restrictions such as coeliac disease. This makes it accessible to a broader audience. The syrup is fast-acting, providing quick relief from congestion and irritation associated with chesty coughs. Its compact 150ml size is convenient for easy storage and portability.

The product is limited to those over the age of 12, excluding younger children who might need cough relief. The reliance on menthol may not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer a more medicinal or herbal approach. Despite this, Covonia’s syrup is highly rated by users, indicating satisfaction and effectiveness in alleviating symptoms. While its primary focus is on chesty coughs, people dealing with other types of cough might need to explore Covonia's broader range of products for specific needs. This product is a reliable option for adults and older children seeking targeted relief from chest congestion, provided they meet the age requirement and are comfortable with its menthol-based formulation.

Covonia Chesty Cough Mixture is a mentholated syrup designed to effectively relieve chesty (productive) coughs and sore throats. The syrup is non-drowsy, making it suitable for daytime use without causing sleepiness. It is also fast-acting, which is beneficial if you're looking for quick relief from coughing and congestion.

This product is versatile in terms of its target audience, being suitable for adults, the elderly, and children aged 5 and over. Additionally, it caters to a range of dietary preferences and needs, as it is suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with celiac disease. The 180ml bottle offers a good quantity that should last through a standard course of treatment for most users.

One potential drawback is that it may not be suitable for very young children under 5 years old, which could limit its use for families with younger kids. Its formulation as a syrup might not be the first choice for those who dislike liquid medicines. If you are dealing with a chesty cough and need a reliable, quick-acting solution, Covonia Chesty Cough Mixture is a strong contender.