Cough medicines ‘mostly useless’

MOST non-prescription cough medicines are useless or even harmful, a consumer body says.

Magazine 60 Millions de Consommateurs, published by government agency the Institut National de la Consommation, tested 37 cough syrups, pills and powders and found it could recommend only five dry cough products and nothing for chesty coughs.

In treating dry coughs the body says it is best to use products containing dextromethophane, even though it is only moderately effective and may have some side effects such as somnolence.

Ones it considers more helpful than not, are: Atuxane, Clarix, Tussidane tablets, Tussidane solution and Tussipax.

Ones it especially warned against include Néo-Codion tablets and Rhinathiol syrup, sold for dry coughs, which contained ingredients with ‘contradictory effects’, as well as Thiopectol, which contained too much alcohol.

It also said to look out also for certain substances often used in cough medicines that many people are allergic to, such as propylparaben, alcohol and certain colourings.

For chesty coughs 60 Millions de Consommateurs says most products are not actively harmful, but not helpful either, though some can cause digestive system problems.

It suggests soothing the throat by just sucking sweets containing honey or lemon and drinking. However, it said there is no point in trying to prevent coughs as the action of coughing allows you to get rid of mucus and is part of the healing process.

If you do take a medicine, it is best to use it only for around three to five days and you should be sure to respect the recommended dose.