One of the pathogenic mechanisms of the development of cough is the formation of viscous sputum difficult to separate. Against the background of a pathological process in the lungs, there is a disruption in the work of muco- ciliary clearance and peristalsis of the bronchi, and in the mucous secretion of the respiratory tract, the ratio of ions dissolved in water and macromolecular compounds is disturbed, which leads to an increase in viscosity, a decrease in the rheological properties of sputum. In connection with this, not only the drainage function of the bronchi is disrupted, but also local immune processes, which also contributes to an increase in the adhesion of infectious agents. In this case, the rational use of expectorant drugs as part of the complex therapy contributes not only to reducing the duration of the disease, but also prevents the formation of chronic diseases of the respiratory system. The article discusses the pathogenetic mechanisms of the onset of cough, the classification of expectorant drugs, which includes various pharmacological classes of drugs, with fundamentally different effects. The mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, as well as clinical and pharmacological features of the use of drugs stimulating expectoration of resorptive, reflex action, mucolytics of synthetic origin, enzyme, mucoregulators, combined drugs available on our market are described, recommendations are given on their use in clinical practice.