Dry (non-productive) cough
Dry (non-productive) cough
Dry coughs commonly follow on from viral respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu and in most cases, they are acute and go away on their own.6 They develop when there is little or no mucus in the throat. A person may feel a tickling sensation in their throat and be unable to stop coughing,6 which can be very irritating, especially at night when it may lead to difficulty in sleeping.
However, there are other causes to be alert to if a dry cough becomes chronic, such as asthma, gastro-oesophageal reflux, exposure to irritants (e.g. cigarette smoke) or certain medications.1
NOTE: A dry cough is also a common early symptom of Covid-19, reported in about 60-70% of people. The cough can persist for weeks or months after a Covid-19 infection.7
Symptom management
Symptom management for coughs depends on the type of cough the customer has. OTC products are suitable for those suffering with acute cough.
DEMULCENTS – SYRUP, GLYCEROL
Demulcents contain ingredients to soothe and coat the back of the throat using liquid sugar or glycerol, which may help relieve a dry, irritating cough.8
They are generally safe for use in children under 12, where other cough mixtures may not be suitable.
However, they should be used with caution by people with diabetes because of the high sugar content.
PRODUCTS FOR TICKLY COUGHS
Click the products to find out more.
Benylin® Dry & Tickly Cough Syrup (GSL) (GLYCEROL, SUCROSE)
Liquid containing 0.75ml glycerol and 1.71g sucrose per 5ml
For the relief of irritating, tickly dry coughs and sore throats
Clinically proven and provides immediate soothing relief
DOSAGE:
Adults and children over 5 years:
10ml 3-4 times a day;
Children 1-5 years:
5ml 3-4 times a day
NOT to be given to children under 1 year
COUGH SUPPRESSANTS (ANTITUSSIVES) – DEXTROMETHORPHAN
Cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan help to block the cough reflex which may be helpful for dry or tickly coughs, but are not advisable if the clearance of phlegm and mucus is required.
Dextromethorphan is an opioid derivative, but it has no painkilling or addictive properties when taken at recommended doses. Although the exact mechanism of its antitussive effect is unclear, it is effective for treating unproductive coughs.10
Benylin® Dry Coughs 7.5mg/5ml Syrup (P) (DEXTROMETHORPHAN)
Syrup containing 7.5mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide per 5ml
Antitussive, for the relief of an unproductive cough
Helps to suppress the coughing mechanism, reducing the urge to cough
Effectively reduces cough intensity and frequency11
DOSAGE:
Adults:
10ml 4 times daily
NOT to be used in children under 12
Should NOT be used by those with a persistent or chronic cough such as occurs with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, or where cough is accompanied by excessive secretions
For night-time use, ANTIHISTAMINES such as diphenhydramine may be used in combination with a cough suppressant. Diphenhydramine causes drowsiness, so may also be useful in helping manage a nighttime cough. It may be combined with a cough suppressant to support its action.12
Benylin® Dry Coughs Night Syrup (P) (DIPHENHYDRAMINE, DEXTROMETHORPHAN, LEVOMENTHOL)
Red syrup containing 14mg diphenhydramine hydrochloride, 6.5mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide and 2mg levomenthol per 5ml
For night-time relief of persistent, dry, irritating cough and aiding restful sleep
DOSAGE:
Adults and children over 12 years:
2x 5ml spoonfuls at bedtime followed by 2x 5ml spoonfuls every 6 hours. Do not take more than 4 doses in 24 hours
NOT to be taken by children under 12
May cause drowsiness. Should NOT be used to sedate a child
NOT to be used in customers with asthma, or those with a persistent or chronic cough
What’s happened to codeine linctus and pholcodine?
Some customers may ask for cough medicines that contain codeine or pholcodine. Products containing these ingredients are no longer available over the counter for safety reasons.8,9
Benylin products do not contain these ingredients and the options shown above are good alternatives to provide symptom relief from a dry cough.