From the Guidelines
For a dry cough, the most effective treatment options include over-the-counter medications like dextromethorphan and honey, as well as staying hydrated and using a humidifier to reduce throat irritation. When considering treatment options for a dry cough, it's essential to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of each choice.
- Over-the-counter medications like dextromethorphan (found in Robitussin DM or Delsym) at 10-30 mg every 4-8 hours can suppress the cough reflex, as recommended by studies 1.
- Honey (1-2 teaspoons) taken straight or mixed in warm tea is effective, especially before bedtime, due to its soothing properties.
- Staying hydrated with 8-10 glasses of water daily helps thin mucus secretions, making it easier to expel them, as suggested by general medical knowledge.
- Using a humidifier in your bedroom adds moisture to the air, reducing throat irritation and discomfort.
- Throat lozenges containing menthol or benzocaine can temporarily numb the throat and reduce cough triggers. For persistent dry coughs, prescription options include benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) 100-200 mg three times daily or low-dose codeine preparations if appropriate, as recommended by studies 1. It's crucial to note that if your cough persists beyond 2-3 weeks, is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, or if you're coughing up blood, you should seek medical attention as these may indicate a more serious condition requiring different treatment, as cautioned by studies 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Purpose Cough suppressant Package/Label Principal Display Panel Compare to Delsym® active ingredient Dextromethorphan Polistirex Extended-Release Oral Suspension Cough Suppressant
Recommended treatments for a dry cough include:
- Dextromethorphan (PO), a cough suppressant 2 2 It is used for 12 Hour Cough Relief and is available in an Orange Flavored Liquid form.
From the Research
Recommended Treatments for Dry Cough
- Antitussive preparations, which are available as combinations of codeine or dextromethorphan with antihistamines, decongestants, and expectorants, can provide symptomatic relief for dry cough 3.
- First-generation antihistamines like chlorpheniramine and centrally acting opioid derivatives like codeine are often used alone or in combination to manage nonspecific cough 3.
- Dextromethorphan is one of the most widely used antitussives for the treatment of cough associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection, although its efficacy has been questioned in some studies 4.
- Inhaled steroids like fluticasone propionate can reduce cough in otherwise healthy adults who do not smoke, by decreasing bronchial hyperresponsiveness and inflammation 5.
Additional Considerations
- The treatment of dry cough remains a challenge in some patients, and the choice of treatment should be based on the individual patient's needs and medical history 3.
- Dextromethorphan has been re-purposed as a treatment for pseudobulbar affect and major depressive disorder, in addition to its use as a cough suppressant 6.