Question

In children with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), are over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines effective for relieving cough?

Data sources

Studies were identified by searching the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group specialized register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE (to 1999), EMBASE/Excerpta Medica (to 1999), the U.K. Department of Health National Research Register (December 2000), personal files, and bibliographies of relevant studies; and by contacting authors, pharmaceutical companies, and the Proprietary Association of Great Britain.

Study selection

2 reviewers independently selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) if OTC cough preparations were tested in children (< 16 y of age) with acute cough (< 3 wk in duration) associated with URTIs, a placebo group was included, and cough outcomes were reported. Exclusion criteria were chronic cough (> 3 wk in duration or caused by chronic underlying disease), artificially induced cough in healthy volunteers, or the use of non-conventional or nonoral preparations.

Data extraction

2 reviewers independently assessed the quality of study methods and extracted data on patient age, sex, and smoking status; cough preparation and dose; definition of illness; and outcomes. Investigators were contacted for additional information when necessary, and studies written in languages other than German and English were translated.

Main results

6 RCTs (438 children) were included. The quality of study methods was generally low. Studies were not pooled because of the few RCTs in each drug class, the limited quantitative data available, and heterogeneity among RCTs. Antitussives: 1 RCT (n = 57) showed that a single dose of dextromethorphan (cough score reduction 2.1) or codeine (cough score reduction 2.2) for 3 nights was not more effective than placebo (cough score reduction 2.2). Mucolytics: 1 RCT (n = 40) showed that letosteine improved symptom scores better than placebo from day 4 to day 10 (mean difference 0.2 points, P < 0.01). Antihistamine-decongestant combinations: 1 RCT (n = 59) showed that brompheniramine plus phenylpropanolamine did not reduce the number of children coughing 2 hours after each dose better than placebo (49% vs 43%, P = 0.66). A second RCT (n = 96) showed that brompheniramine plus phenylephrine plus phenylpropanolamine did not improve cough symptoms better than placebo (67% vs 58%, P > 0.2) or no treatment (67% vs 70%, P > 0.2). Other drug combinations: 1 RCT tested 2 pediatric cough syrups (Triaminicol and Dorcol) in 43 children. Satisfactory response reported by parents did not differ between treatment and placebo (69% for both treatment groups vs 57% for placebo, P > 0.2). Antihistamines: In 143 children, clemastine and chlorpheniramine did not differ from placebo for improvement in physician-rated cough scores (40% for both treatment groups vs 28% for placebo, P = 0.2).

Conclusion

In children with acute cough associated with upper respiratory tract infection, the existing evidence does not support the effectiveness of over-the-counter cough preparations.

Source of funding: NHS R&D National Primary Care Career Scheme.

For correspondence: Dr. K. Schroeder, University of Bristol, Bristol, England, UK. E-mail k.schroeder@bristol.ac.uk.

Commentary
 

Acute cough in children is common, and the implications of use or nonuse of cough medicines are important, in terms of both patient care and expense. The paucity and poor quality of the studies in the review by Schroeder and Fahey is a sad reflection of research priorities. The results are remarkably consistent, and the stronger conclusion that cough medicines are not effective might be drawn were the trials not so heterogeneous. However, it may be unwise to generalize too much across a wide age spectrum of children and a variety of drugs. Dosage of medication in relation to the age and size of the child and the duration of cough in days at administration onset are vital factors that are not considered. More and better evidence is needed.

In particular, future research should address 2 issues: First, are there risks (other than adverse drug effects) in suppression of the defensive cough reflex during acute URTI? Second, are the new and novel antitussive compounds that are being developed effective and safe in humans (1)?

Charles Bridges-Webb, MBBS, MD

University of Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Reference

1. Chung KF, Chang AB. Therapy for cough: active agents. Pulm Pharmacol Ther. 2002;15:335-8. [PubMed ID: 12099788]