Cough preparations
Drug Safety Update
December 2014: MHRA/CHM advice - children under 18 years of age should not use codeine containing over the counter liquid medicines for cough suppression.
December 2014: MHRA/CHM advice - children under 6 years of age should not be given over the counter cough and cold medicines containing pholcodine (also other ingredients - see link)
For persistent cough the underlying cause should be established and addressed before prescribing cough suppressants. Where there is no identifiable cause cough suppressants may be useful e.g. if sleep is disturbed
Cough suppressants may cause sputum retention and this may be harmful in patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis.
Codeine may be effective but it is constipating and can cause dependence, pholcodine has fewer side effects.
Simple linctus is a demulcent and has a soothing action.
