Americans spend billions on over-the-counter cough medicine. How well do they work?
Better Than Placebo?
Several years ago researchers reported that there was no good evidence showing that the common anti-cough ingredient dextromethorphan was better than placebo in children.
Now the Cochrane Collaboration has analyzed all the available evidence from placebo-controlled trials involving cough medicine. These highly trained international volunteers use standardized methods for assessing scientific evidence on medical interventions.
No Conclusions
They reviewed 29 studies but noted that flaws in the research limit the conclusions that can be drawn. In fact, based on the available data the scientists were unable to determine whether or not over-the-counter cough remedies are helpful. That’s not very reassuring for people suffering symptoms.
[Cochrane Library, online Nov. 24, 2014]
There are few randomized controlled trials of home remedies against cough, but there are several inexpensive approaches that we have found helpful. Sipping thyme tea (1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves steeped in 1 cup of just-boiled water, sweetened to taste with honey) is comforting and often calms a cough for several hours.
Another of our favorite home remedies for a nighttime cough is Vicks VapoRub on the soles of the feet. Be sure to put socks on to protect the sheets from the ointment.
You can read more about dextromethorphan and alternatives in our Guide to Colds, Coughs and the Flu.
