Dear E-druggers,
The problem is that there are hardly any suitable
clinical-pharmacological models to measure cough; the only one which
has been reasonably tested is a citric acid spray. When this model is
used most anti-cough medicine is ineffective with the possible
exception of opiates (codeine, dihydrocodeine). Even noscapine has
never been properly tested.
The Dutch registration authority accepted a "political" solution when
they admitted about 15 years ago the nonsense indication " for
beginning cough" - whatever that is. Another wordplay is the french
way of stating "can be used for cough" - leaving uncertain whether
the drug is effective or not! Probably the best solution is a vague
description of cough-like symptoms such as "throat irritation" etc.
The BNF limits the use to "dry or painful cough". France: "the
symptomatic treatment of annoying nonproductive cough". The most
honest way would be to call these products "cough medicine" and then
add that efficacy is not proven.
In summary: There is no medical solution to this problem, only a
political one. Mundus vult decipi.
Dr.L.Offerhaus
Chopinstraat 9
NL-1077 GL Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel. 0031-20-6762434 fax 0031-20-6756590
E-mail: Internet: LO@EURONET.NL; CompuServe 71530,15
Eur J Clin Pharmacol ONLY:
P.O.Box 75552, 1070 AN Amsterdam
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