Treatment options

Assuming underlying causes such as asthma and allergies have been eliminated, acute coughs will usually get better on their own. This is because most are caused by a viral infection such as a cold, which means antibiotics won’t have any effect.

OTC products

Although there is no robust evidence to support the use of over the counter (OTC) cough remedies, customers may find them useful. There are plenty of options available, including cough linctuses, syrups and all-in-one cough and cold tablets.

The following ingredients can be found in OTC cough products:

• Cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan or pholcodine are thought to work by suppressing the body’s cough reflex and are therefore most suited to dry or tickly coughs. OTC examples include Benylin Dry Coughs and Robitussin Dry Cough.
• Expectorants such as guaifenesin, ipecacuanha and squill help to loosen and clear mucus from the chest and are suitable for chesty or productive coughs. OTC examples include Covonia Chesty Cough Mixture Mentholated.
• Demulcents such as glycerol coat and soothe the throat to help stop a cough. OTC examples include glycerin, lemon and honey, and CalCough Children’s Syrup.
• Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine suppress a cough. They may cause drowsiness, which can be useful for a night-time cough. OTC examples include Benylin Dry Coughs Night Syrup.
• Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or menthol may also be recommended to clear associated congestion, blocked nose and sinus symptoms. OTC examples include Day Nurse Capsules and Sudafed.