Coughing due to colds in homeless shelter

[1Chicky]

I recently began volunteering at a homeless shelter in Atlanta.  The shelter specifically serves elderly, disabled and chronically ill.  With all the considerations; i.e., HIV, diabetes, hepatitis, alcoholism, etc., what is an effective cough suppressant 30 men can take at night so everyone can get sleep?  The 30 cots are placed next to each other and while I

[National Jewish]

Generally any generic cough suppressant is going to be cost effective.  Any cough suppressant that contains either codeine or dextromethorphan (DM) would work.  Since it is given just to suppress nighttime cough, it would not be addictive.  Your local pharmacist could advise you on the most cost effective generic.

[starion]

I'd go & talk with the pharmacist at Sam's Club or Costco & ask them about over-the-counter meds that they'd recommend.  They sell in bulk & might be able to make some good suggestions.  I'm mostly familiar with pricing at Costco's pharmacy & have found them competitve or lower than all the others in my area & other folks in the internet has noted the same.  Walmart or Kmart may also have pretty good prices at their pharmacies, but might not be quite as low.  
Perhaps your office can work out something with one of these providers, since you're providing a community service so they could give you meds at cost.  You have nothing to lose by calling around & asking--sometimes they're very helpful.
Good luck!
Starion