Effectiveness of Over-The-Counter Cough Medications Questioned
February 9, 2002
At the first sign of a cough most Americans head to their local drug store to purchase an over-the-counter cough and cold medication. Within a few days, our symptoms slowly improve and we are soon back on our feet. Our recovery is of course due to the bitter cough syrup we consumed daily while under the weather. We recommend our preferred brand to co-workers and friends and continue to use our favorite product each time that annoying cough returns. But should we place all our confidence in these over-the-counter medications?
According to a new study published in this month's issue of the British Medical Journal, there is little evidence that over-the-counter cough medications actually cure coughs. Fifteen trials of cough remedies involving more than 2,000 people revealed over-the-counter cough syrups were comparable to a placebo. As a result, the study's lead investigator told health officials "there is little evidence for or against" the use of over-the-counter cough remedies.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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