The article presents in tabular form the types of cough in terms of their symptomatology and the thus recommended pharmacotherapeutic group. Mucoactive agents can be classified into expectorants, mucolytics, mucokinetics, and mucoregulating drugs according to the effect on the composition and amount of sputum produced. Antitussives are divided into centrally and peripherally acting ones. The article presents the crucial pharmacological properties of each substance and/or extracts of medicinal plants. In conclusion, the basic pharmacotherapeutic approaches in treating dry and productive cough are summarized and recommendations concerning the combinations of antitussives and mucoactive agents are provided.