Cough syrups no better than placebo syrups
6 July 2004
by Richard
Conan-Davies
|
Medicated cough syrups seem to have no more of an effect on night time coughs than a simple solution of water and sugar. The study led by Dr. Ian Paul of Penn State College of Medicine showed that the active ingredients of medicated cough mixtures. Dr. Paul explained to the university that "Our study showed that the two ingredients used in most over-the-counter medications were no better than a placebo, non-medicated syrup, in providing nighttime relief for children with cough and sleep difficulty as a result of upper respiratory infection." The study looked at some 100 children from 2 to 18 years of age and asked parents to rate their ability to sleep while being given either a placebo syrup. The study suggests that it may be worthwhile considering the need for cough medications at times particularly since some active ingredients can be abused by teens. |
 Cough mixtures appear to have no significant benfit over a similar mixture with no active ingredient |
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