more marketing than science? True

Bothered by a cough, are you tempted by one of those over-the-counter syrups at the pharmacy? Not so fast. In recent years, scientific research has been far from proving the effectiveness of these products.

Since the 2000s, this research has not in fact been able to find obvious advantages to the syrups against cough (Cough is a sudden and often repetitive spasmodic contraction of the human thoracic cavity, resulting in violent expulsion of air from the lungs, …), compared to a placebo.

For example, in 2007, a literature review raised doubts about the effectiveness of one of the ingredients, the codeine (Codeine (or methylmorphine) is one of the alkaloids contained in the sleeping poppy (Papaver somniferum). It is used as an analgesic for …), long considered the cough suppressant par excellence. Codeine is generally no more effective at suppressing cough than placebo, nor is dextromethorphan, another key ingredient.

Studies in children also concluded that neither dextromethorphan nor diphenhydramine (Benadryl) was more effective than a placebo: the lack of evidence precluded the recommendation or discouragement of the use of acute cough medications in patients. ‘child. Finally, a review systematic (In the life sciences and natural history, systematics is the science of counting and classifying taxa in a certain order, based on various principles …) Cochrane conducted in 2014 concluded that there was no convincing evidence that over-the-counter syrups were effective for children or adults.

The lack of results that clearly establish the positive effects of cough syrups has led several associations and medical authorities to express reservations about the use of these syrups, particularly in children under 12 and between 12 and 18 years. years with respiratory disorders. Since theAutumn (Autumn is one of the four seasons of temperate zones. It falls between summer and winter.) 2009, cough producers and cold (Nasopharyngitis or nasopharyngitis, commonly known as the common cold (pronounced), is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract, …) it must also indicate that their drug (A drug is a substance or composition presented as curative, preventive or …) it is not recommended for children under 6 years old. And for good reason, they would be three times more likely to experience side effects than children ages 6 to 12. In Belgium, several brands of syrup (The syrup (from the Latin syropus, itself from the Arabic sharab) is a viscous and thick liquid obtained by dissolving a large amount of sugar in water. The viscosity comes from the many …) they were even taken off the shelves in early 2020.

Negative effects

At high doses, the ingredients in the syrups can even interfere with the Health (Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and is not just the absence of disease or infirmity.). Dextromethorphan is hallucinogen (A hallucinogen is a psychotropic chemical substance that induces hallucinations, that is, at the usual doses, alterations of perceptions, of …)and can have severe neurological effects in children. Codeine also exposes children with chronic coughs to an increased risk of side effects, as found by another Cochrane systematic review in 2016.

Cough syrups, pharmacists warn, can also carry risks when combined with other medications such as antidepressants. In 2012, two Quebec coroners who investigated the dead (Death is the final state of a biological organism that ceases to live (although we could speak of death in a more general cosmic sense, including for example death …) two elders had even questioned the over-the-counter sale of most cough syrups. Furthermore, their dosage (Dosage is the study of drug delivery methods. It also covers all administration methods of taking a drug.) must be observed to avoid overdose.

What about honey?

Faced with the few advantages and possible disadvantages of cough syrups, it’s best to stick to a good old solution: honey. In fact, with the exception of children under the age of one year, taking honey seems more effective at relieving cough than without treatment, a placebo or diphenhydramine, another Cochrane systematic review concluded in 2018. Honey would otherwise have a similar effect to that of dextromethorphan. It would also reduce the duration of the cough more than a placebo either salbutamol (Salbutamol (INN) is a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist and therefore a short-acting bronchodilator used to relieve bronchospasm in conditions such as …) (ventolin). Over three days (The day or day is the interval between sunrise and sunset; it is the period between two nights, during which the sun’s rays illuminate the sky. Sound …), no treatment seemed effective, according to this review. In any case, doctors recommend staying well hydrated and seeing a doctor. doctor (A physician is a healthcare professional who holds a doctorate in medicine. He is responsible for treating his patients’ illnesses, diseases and injuries. if symptoms persist.