Mitchelson F
Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Pharmacology, Victorian College of Pharmacy, Monash University, Parkville.
Aust Fam Physician. 1998 Nov;27(11):1041-6.
Coughing is a defence mechanism to clear the airways but if it becomes ineffective, excessive or persistent it may cause fatigue and impair body function as well as create social problems for the patient.
Numerous preparations are available for the alleviation of cough, many containing multiple ingredients including antitussives, expectorants, mucolytics and decongestants. Their modes of action are examined and evidence for their usefulness in treating various types of cough evaluated.
The use of various preparations in non-productive cough, drug induced cough and productive cough are discussed.
