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==Examples==
==Examples==
There are a large number of different cough and cold medications. Some include: Benilyn, Sudafed, Robitussin and Vicks among others.<ref>{{cite web|title=Children’s cough and cold medicines – Lists of products|url=http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/groups/comms-po/documents/websiteresources/con038907.pdf|work=Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency|accessdate=18 December 2013}}</ref> Most contain a number of active ingredients.<ref name=CFP2009/> These may include combinations of: [[antihistamine]]s, antitussives (cough suppressants), [[expectorant]]s, [[decongestant]]s and [[antipyretic]]s.<ref name=CFP2009/>
There are a large number of different cough and cold medications. Some include: Benilyn, Sudafed, Robitussin and Vicks among others.<ref>{{cite web|title=Children’s cough and cold medicines – Lists of products|url=http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/groups/comms-po/documents/websiteresources/con038907.pdf|work=Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency|accessdate=18 December 2013}}</ref> Most contain a number of active ingredients.<ref name=CFP2009/> These may include combinations of: [[antihistamine]]s, antitussives (cough suppressants), [[expectorant]]s, [[decongestant]]s and [[antipyretic]]s.<ref name=CFP2009/>

⚫
== Effectiveness ==
⚫
The efficacy of cough medication is questionable, particularly in children.<ref>Medsafe cough and cold grouphttp://www.medsafe.govt.nz/hot/alerts/CoughandCold/Minutes2CoughandCold.asp</ref> A 2012 Cochrane review concluded that "There is no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of OTC medicines in acute cough".<ref name=Cochrane2012/> Some cough medicines may be no more effective than [[placebo]]s for acute coughs in adults, including coughs related to upper respiratory tract infections.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Knut Schroeder and Tom Fahey |title=Systematic review of randomised controlled trials of over the counter cough medicines for acute cough in adults |journal=[[British Medical Journal]] |year=2002 |volume=324 |pages=329&ndash;331 |url=http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/324/7333/329 | pmid=11834560 |doi=10.1136/bmj.324.7333.329 |issue=7333 |pmc=65295}}</ref> The [[American College of Chest Physicians]] states that cough medicines are not designed to treat [[Pertussis|whooping cough]], a cough that is caused by bacteria and can last for months.<ref>{{cite press release|publisher = [[American College of Chest Physicians]]|date = January 9, 2006|title = New Cough Guidelines Urge Adult Whooping Cough Vaccine; Many OTC Medications Not Recommended for Cough Treatment|url =http://www.chestnet.org/about/press/releases/2006/010906a.php}}</ref> No over the counter cough medicines have been found to be effective in cases of [[pneumonia]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Chang CC, Cheng AC, Chang AB |title=Over-the-counter (OTC) medications to reduce cough as an adjunct to antibiotics for acute pneumonia in children and adults |journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev |volume=2 |issue=|pages=CD006088 |year=2012 |pmid=22336815|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD006088.pub3}}</ref> There is not enough evidence to make recommendations for those who have a cough and [[cancer]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Molassiotis|first=A|coauthors=Bailey, C; Caress, A; Brunton, L; Smith, J|title=Interventions for cough in cancer.|journal=The Cochrane database of systematic reviews|date=Sep 8, 2010|issue=9|pages=CD007881|pmid=20824870}}</ref> They are not recommended in those who have [[COPD]] or chronic bronchitis.<ref name=GOLD2013Chp3>{{cite book |last=Vestbo |first=Jørgen |title=Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease |year=2013 |publisher=Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease |pages=19–30 |chapter=Therapeutic Options|chapterurl=http://www.goldcopd.org/uploads/users/files/GOLD_Report_2013_Feb20.pdf#36}}</ref>


===Pharmaceuticals===
===Pharmaceuticals===
Line 20: Line 23:


While a number of plants and Chinese herbs have been purported to ease cold symptoms, including [[ginger]], [[garlic]], [[hyssop]], [[Verbascum|mullein]], and others, studies have either not been done or have been found inconclusive.<ref name="Linde K, Barrett B, Wölkart K, Bauer R, Melchart D 2006 CD000530">{{Cite journal|author=Linde K, Barrett B, Wölkart K, Bauer R, Melchart D |title=Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold |journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev |volume= |issue=1 |pages=CD000530 |year=2006 |pmid=16437427 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub2 |url=|editor1-last=Linde|editor1-first=Klaus}}</ref>
While a number of plants and Chinese herbs have been purported to ease cold symptoms, including [[ginger]], [[garlic]], [[hyssop]], [[Verbascum|mullein]], and others, studies have either not been done or have been found inconclusive.<ref name="Linde K, Barrett B, Wölkart K, Bauer R, Melchart D 2006 CD000530">{{Cite journal|author=Linde K, Barrett B, Wölkart K, Bauer R, Melchart D |title=Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold |journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev |volume= |issue=1 |pages=CD000530 |year=2006 |pmid=16437427 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub2 |url=|editor1-last=Linde|editor1-first=Klaus}}</ref>

⚫
== Effectiveness ==
⚫
The efficacy of cough medication is questionable, particularly in children.<ref>Medsafe cough and cold grouphttp://www.medsafe.govt.nz/hot/alerts/CoughandCold/Minutes2CoughandCold.asp</ref> A 2012 Cochrane review concluded that "There is no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of OTC medicines in acute cough".<ref name=Cochrane2012/> Some cough medicines may be no more effective than [[placebo]]s for acute coughs in adults, including coughs related to upper respiratory tract infections.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Knut Schroeder and Tom Fahey |title=Systematic review of randomised controlled trials of over the counter cough medicines for acute cough in adults |journal=[[British Medical Journal]] |year=2002 |volume=324 |pages=329&ndash;331 |url=http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/324/7333/329 | pmid=11834560 |doi=10.1136/bmj.324.7333.329 |issue=7333 |pmc=65295}}</ref> The [[American College of Chest Physicians]] states that cough medicines are not designed to treat [[Pertussis|whooping cough]], a cough that is caused by bacteria and can last for months.<ref>{{cite press release|publisher = [[American College of Chest Physicians]]|date = January 9, 2006|title = New Cough Guidelines Urge Adult Whooping Cough Vaccine; Many OTC Medications Not Recommended for Cough Treatment|url =http://www.chestnet.org/about/press/releases/2006/010906a.php}}</ref> No over the counter cough medicines have been found to be effective in cases of [[pneumonia]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Chang CC, Cheng AC, Chang AB |title=Over-the-counter (OTC) medications to reduce cough as an adjunct to antibiotics for acute pneumonia in children and adults |journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev |volume=2 |issue=|pages=CD006088 |year=2012 |pmid=22336815|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD006088.pub3}}</ref> There is not enough evidence to make recommendations for those who have a cough and [[cancer]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Molassiotis|first=A|coauthors=Bailey, C; Caress, A; Brunton, L; Smith, J|title=Interventions for cough in cancer.|journal=The Cochrane database of systematic reviews|date=Sep 8, 2010|issue=9|pages=CD007881|pmid=20824870}}</ref> They are not recommended in those who have [[COPD]] or chronic bronchitis.<ref name=GOLD2013Chp3>{{cite book |last=Vestbo |first=Jørgen |title=Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease |year=2013 |publisher=Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease |pages=19–30 |chapter=Therapeutic Options|chapterurl=http://www.goldcopd.org/uploads/users/files/GOLD_Report_2013_Feb20.pdf#36}}</ref>


==Adverse effects==
==Adverse effects==

Revision as of 17:09, 11 January 2014

Cough syrup redirects here. For the Young the Giant song, see Cough Syrup (song).
Cough medicine often contains cough suppressants or expectorants.

A cough medicine or cough and cold medicine, also known as linctus when in syrup form, is a medicinal drug used in those with coughing and related conditions. There is no good evidence for or against the use of over-the-counter cough medications in those with a cough.[1] While they are used by 10% of American children weekly, they are not recommended in Canada and the United States in children 6 years or younger because of lack of evidence showing effect and concerns of harm.[2][3]

Examples

There are a large number of different cough and cold medications. Some include: Benilyn, Sudafed, Robitussin and Vicks among others.[4] Most contain a number of active ingredients.[2] These may include combinations of: antihistamines, antitussives (cough suppressants), expectorants, decongestants and antipyretics.[2]

Effectiveness

The efficacy of cough medication is questionable, particularly in children.[5] A 2012 Cochrane review concluded that "There is no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of OTC medicines in acute cough".[1] Some cough medicines may be no more effective than placebos for acute coughs in adults, including coughs related to upper respiratory tract infections.[6] The American College of Chest Physicians states that cough medicines are not designed to treat whooping cough, a cough that is caused by bacteria and can last for months.[7] No over the counter cough medicines have been found to be effective in cases of pneumonia.[8] There is not enough evidence to make recommendations for those who have a cough and cancer.[9] They are not recommended in those who have COPD or chronic bronchitis.[10]

Pharmaceuticals

  • Dextromethorphan (DXM) may be modestly effective in decreasing cough in adults with viral upper respiratory infections. However, in children it has not been found to be effective.[11]
  • Codeine was once viewed as the gold standard in cough suppressants but this position is now questioned.[12] Some recent placebo-controlled trials have found however that it may be no better than placebo for some etiologies including acute cough in children.[13][14] It is thus not recommended for children.[14] Additionally there is no evidence that hydrocodone is useful in children.[15]
  • A number of other commercially available cough treatments have not been shown to be effective in viral upper respiratory infections. These include in adults: antihistamines, antihistamine-decongestant combinations, benzonatate, and guaifenesin; and in children: antihistamines, decongestants for clearing up the nose, or combinations of these.[11]

Alternative medicine

Honey may be a minimally effective cough treatment.[16] However a Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against its use.[17] Honey's use as a cough treatment has been linked on several occasions to infantile botulism and as such should not be used in children less than one year old.[18]

Many alternative treatments are used to treat the common cold. However, a 2007 review states that, "Complementary and alternative therapies (i.e., Echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc) are not recommended for treating common cold symptoms; however, ... Vitamin C prophylaxis may modestly reduce the duration and severity of the common cold in the general population and may reduce the incidence of the illness in persons exposed to physical and environmental stresses."[19]

A 2009 review found that the evidence supporting the effectiveness of zinc is mixed with respect to cough,[11] and a 2011 Cochrane review concluded that zinc "administered within 24 hours of onset of symptoms reduces the duration and severity of the common cold in healthy people".[20] A 2003 review concluded: "Clinical trial data support the value of zinc in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms of the common cold when administered within 24 hours of the onset of common cold symptoms."[21] Nasally applied zinc gel may lead to long-term or permanent loss of smell. The FDA therefore discourages its use.[22]

While a number of plants and Chinese herbs have been purported to ease cold symptoms, including ginger, garlic, hyssop, mullein, and others, studies have either not been done or have been found inconclusive.[23]

Adverse effects

A number of accidental overdoses and well-documented adverse effects suggested caution in children.[24]

Society and culture

Economics

In the United States several billion dollars were spent on over the counter products a year.[25]

Poisoning

Main article: Toxic cough syrup

According to the New York Times, at least eight mass poisonings have occurred as a result of counterfeit cough syrup, substituting inexpensive diethylene glycol in place of glycerin. In May 2007, 365 deaths were reported in Panama, which were associated with cough syrup containing diethylene glycol.[26]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Smith, SM (Aug 15, 2012). "Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in ambulatory settings". The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 8: CD001831. PMID 22895922. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b c Shefrin and Goldman; Goldman, RD (November 2009). "Use of over-the-counter cough and cold medications in children". Canadian Family Physician. 55 (11): 1081–1083. PMC 2776795. PMID 19910592.
  3. ^ "FDA panel: No cold medicines to children under 6". CNN. Washington. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  4. ^ "Children's cough and cold medicines – Lists of products" (PDF). Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  5. ^ Medsafe cough and cold grouphttp://www.medsafe.govt.nz/hot/alerts/CoughandCold/Minutes2CoughandCold.asp
  6. ^ Knut Schroeder and Tom Fahey (2002). "Systematic review of randomised controlled trials of over the counter cough medicines for acute cough in adults". British Medical Journal. 324 (7333): 329–331. doi:10.1136/bmj.324.7333.329. PMC 65295. PMID 11834560.
  7. ^ "New Cough Guidelines Urge Adult Whooping Cough Vaccine; Many OTC Medications Not Recommended for Cough Treatment" (Press release). American College of Chest Physicians. January 9, 2006.
  8. ^ Chang CC, Cheng AC, Chang AB (2012). "Over-the-counter (OTC) medications to reduce cough as an adjunct to antibiotics for acute pneumonia in children and adults". Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2: CD006088. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006088.pub3. PMID 22336815.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Molassiotis, A (Sep 8, 2010). "Interventions for cough in cancer". The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (9): CD007881. PMID 20824870. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ Vestbo, Jørgen (2013). "Therapeutic Options". Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. pp. 19–30. {{cite book}}: External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ a b c Dealleaume L, Tweed B, Neher JO (2009). "Do OTC remedies relieve cough in acute upper respiratory infections?". J Fam Pract. 58 (10): 559a–c. PMID 19874728. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ ed, Kian Fan Chung ... (2008). Pharmacology and therapeutics of cough. Berlin: Springer. p. 248. ISBN 9783540798422.
  13. ^ Bolser DC, Davenport PW (2007). "Codeine and cough: an ineffective gold standard". Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 7 (1): 32–6. doi:10.1097/ACI.0b013e3280115145. PMC 2921574. PMID 17218808. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  14. ^ a b Goldman, RD (Dec 2010). "Codeine for acute cough in children". Canadian Family Physician. 56 (12): 1293–4. PMC 3001921. PMID 21156892.
  15. ^ Paul, IM (Feb 2012). "Therapeutic options for acute cough due to upper respiratory infections in children". Lung. 190 (1): 41–4. PMID 21892785.
  16. ^ "Honey A Better Option For Childhood Cough Than Over The Counter Medications". 2007-12-04. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  17. ^ Oduwole O, Meremikwu MM, Oyo-Ita A, Udoh EE (2010). Oduwole, Olabisi (ed.). "HONEY for acute cough in children". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD007094. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007094.pub2. PMID 20091616.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ "Cough and cold remedies for children". Australian Prescriber (32): 122–4. Retrieved 27 August 2010. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  19. ^ Simasek M, Blandino DA (2007). "Treatment of the common cold". Am Fam Physician. 75 (4): 515–20. PMID 17323712. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  20. ^ Singh M, Das RR (2011). "Zinc for the common cold". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2): CD001364. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001364.pub3. PMID 21328251.
  21. ^ Hulisz D (2004). "Efficacy of zinc against common cold viruses: an overview". J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 44 (5): 594–603. doi:10.1331/1544-3191.44.5.594.Hulisz. PMID 15496046.
  22. ^ "Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Products (Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size)".
  23. ^ Linde K, Barrett B, Wölkart K, Bauer R, Melchart D (2006). Linde, Klaus (ed.). "Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold". Cochrane Database Syst Rev (1): CD000530. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub2. PMID 16437427.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ Sung, Valerie and Cranswick, Noel (2009). "Cough and cold remedies for children". Australian Prescriber, Vol. 32. pp 122-124. Available athttp://www.australianprescriber.com/magazine/32/5/122/4/.
  25. ^ Chung, Kian Fan (2008). Pharmacology and therapeutics of cough. Berlin: Springer. p. 188. ISBN 9783540798422.
  26. ^ Bogdanich, Walt; Hooker, Jake (2007-05-06). "From China to Panama, a Trail of Poisoned Medicine". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-04-30.
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