Cough preparations
Drug Safety Update
March 2023: Pholcodine-containing cough and cold medicines: withdrawal from UK market as a precautionary measure
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. Simple linctus is a demulcent and has a soothing action.
Pholcodine and pholcodine containing products have been withdrawn from the UK market and recalled. Please see the MHRA Drug Safety Update above.
