Last update:

   09-Oct-2018
 

Arch Hellen Med, 35(5), September-October 2018, 618-622

REVIEW

Antitussive drugs: What is their role in pediatric care?

M. Gogou, K. Haidopoulou
Second Department of Pediatrics, "AHEPA" University General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Persistent cough is one of the most common reasons for parents to seek pediatric care for their children. The prevalence of the use of antitussive drugs in childhood is high and their administration is not always guided by a doctor. Evidence from clinical studies shows that centrally acting antitussives and antihistamines do not appear to be superior to placebo, while studies on mucolytics are few. A variety of natural substances (e.g., honey) have been shown to exhibit an efficient antitussive effect, while some studies even document that a placebo may alleviate cough. It should be noted that dosage guidelines for a series of antitussive drugs are based on studies conducted exclusively in adult populations.

Key words: Antitussive drugs, Children, Cough, Mucolytic drugs.


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