Dry Cough in Thailand: what to buy at the pharmacy
Tickly cough without phlegm, often worse at night.
What to ask for first
Dextromethorphan 15 mg
Calms a dry, tickly cough so you can sleep.
Not for a chesty cough with phlegm. Don't combine with antidepressants; ask the pharmacist.
See all 2 medicine options and real pack photos in the Mai Sabai app.
Open the appFree to try. Full guide: ฿79 once, for your whole trip.Look after yourself
- Sip warm water, or honey in warm water (no honey for babies under 1).
- Avoid smoke and cold air-conditioning blowing on you.
- Sleep with your head raised.
See a doctor today if
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Fever lasting more than 3 days
- Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
Show this screen to the pharmacist
สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ ฉันมีอาการไอแห้ง ไม่มีเสมหะ
ขอยาสำหรับอาการนี้
Hello, I have: dry cough. I'd like medicine for this.
Do I need a prescription?
Not for the medicines on this page. Thai pharmacies sell them over the counter, and the pharmacist on duty can advise you. Always mention allergies, pregnancy and any other medicines you take.
Other symptoms
- Cold & feverRunny or blocked nose, sneezing, mild fever.
- Sore throatScratchy or painful throat, hurts to swallow.
- Cough & phlegmChesty cough with mucus.
- DiarrheaLoose or watery stools, stomach cramps.
- Heartburn & stomach acheBurning chest after spicy food, indigestion, bloating or cramps.
- Nausea & vomitingFeeling sick or throwing up, often from food poisoning.
- Allergy, itch & bitesSneezing and itchy eyes, hives, or itchy mosquito and insect bites.
- Cuts & scrapesGrazes, small cuts, scooter scrapes (the 'Thai tattoo').
- Muscle pain & sprainsSore muscles from Muay Thai or hiking, a twisted ankle, bruises from a scooter fall.
- Ear pain & blocked earPainful ear after swimming or diving, or an ear that feels blocked.
- Dizziness & seasicknessNausea on ferries, speedboats or winding roads, or the room spinning when you turn your head.
Emergency numbers in Thailand
- 1669Ambulance / medical emergency
- 1155Tourist Police (English)
- 191Police
General information for minor illness in healthy adults, not a diagnosis. Read the pack label, tell the pharmacist about other medicines you take, and see a doctor if you're not better in 2–3 days. Brand names are hidden on pack photos; the same medicine may come in different packs.