The most effective medication for cough is a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are drugs that relax the muscles in the airways and make it easier to breathe. There are many different types of bronchodilators, but the most common and effective type is an inhaled beta-agonist such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin). Other types of bronchodilators include anticholinergics such as ipratropium (Atrovent) and leukotriene modifiers such as montelukast (Singulair).