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Many medical professionals do not believe there is any benefit to OTC cough medicines. A few articles about the topic are listed here:

http://www.mayoclinic.com /health/cough-medicines/DI0005 2
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/he alth/3869379.stm
http://www.den talplans.com/articles/3409/

The re are two main types of cough medicines available as over-the-counter remedies: cough suppressants and expectorants.

Cough suppressants, either in liquid or drop form, are useful to control the urge to cough. These are best used when the cough is dry and does not produce a lot of mucus. Coughing in response to a "tickle in the throat" caused by a dry, itchy throat is best controlled by suppressants. Most cough suppressants contain codeine, and dextromethorphan which causes the brain to limit the cough reflex. Additionally, these remedies are formulated to coat the throat, thereby soothing it.

Expectorants, on the other hand, contain ingredients that are used to loosen mucus. This allows a person to possibly avoid a more serious infection caused by microorganisms infecting the mucus. They help relieve chest congestion and make breathing easier. Expectorants may cause an increase in the amount of coughing, but they will also make the coughs more productive.

Although both of these types of cough medicines provide some degree of relief, they are not medically necessary.

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