Cough medicines are unnecessary

A systematic review has found little evidence for or against the effectiveness of over the counter cough medicines. In nine out of 15 trials, active treatment was no better than placebo, and positive results in the other studies were questionable. Schroeder and Fahey (p 329) say that over the counter medicines may be an unnecessary expense and advice to use them should be restricted until more evidence becomes available.


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Relevant Article

Systematic review of randomised controlled trials of over the counter cough medicines for acute cough in adults
Knut Schroeder and Tom Fahey
BMJ 2002 324: 329. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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