Title
Use of antitussive medications in acute cough in young children
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2021
Abstract
Acute cough, a common complaint in young children, is often the result of a viral upper respiratory infection. Cough and cold remedies generate billions of dollars in annual sales in the United States, despite a lack of evidence of their efficacy and multiple warnings by the US Food and Drug Administration. The current article begins with the best available evidence for common over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antitussive remedies in children. The article concludes with a discussion of the pros and cons for the use of antitussives in children with cough. In general, OTC antitussive medications should not be routinely used in children under 2 years of age. In certain cases, antitussives with minimal adverse profile and some evidence of benefit may be recommended after informed counseling.
Recommended Citation
Lam, Samuel H.F.; Homme, James; Avarello, Jahn; Heins, Alan; Pauze, Denis; Mace, Sharon; Dietrich, Ann; Stoner, Michael; Chumpitazi, Corrie E.; and Saidinejad, Mohsen, "Use of antitussive medications in acute cough in young children" (2021). Pediatrics Open Access Publications. 2.
https://ohioopen.library.ohio.edu/pediatrics-oapub/2