Anti-tussives
Comparison of Anti-tussive Agents
With respect to the review article of “Managing Cough as a Defence
Mechanism and as a Symptom” (Irwin et al, 1998) an inference can
be made that dextromethorphan is more effective in treating
non-productive cough in upper respiratory tract infections than
codeine and its derivatives. These drugs have been shown to be
effective in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies
in humans with pathologic cough. Although codeine is also indicated
in bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis. However
this study is limited by the number of subjects.
Comparison of dextromethorphan with dihydrocodeine:
Matthys, Erhardt & Ruhle (1985) reviewed the use of antitussive agents
dextromethorphan and dihydrocodeine in their study and concluded
that dextromethorphan (20mg) and dihydrocodeine (30mg) significantly
reduced the cough frequency compared to placebo. They also produced
a greater reduction of cough intensity than placebo.
