Flu and cold season ... so not fun for everyone! Along with all the problems with the flu and swine flu, we still have to deal with a cold. One of the biggest symptoms people complain about is a dry, irritating, super annoying cough.
Well, you can * hope that there is a new over-the-counter drug with a horizon that will cure a dry cough. A dry cough can range from a dry, convulsive cough to an extremely annoying constant “throat-clearing” cough.
There are several drugs that can be treated for about one ... such as antihistamines and decongestants. These medicines can help deal with some problems that can lead to dry cough.
Cough suppressants (antitussives) work to directly treat dry cough by blocking the cough reflex.
Currently, the only over-the-counter cough suppressant on the market is dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin caps). Combination products such as Mucinex DM, Robitussin DM and Nyquil also contain dextromethorphan.
So what is this new drug? It is called Clofera (chlophedianol and pseudoephedrine), and it has a decongestant and “new” cough medicine.
The reason why I say chlophedianol is “new” is explained by the fact that it was approved in the early 1960s. It was sold in Canada, the UK and Japan for quite a long time, but is now only being released on the US market.
So the good news is that soon there will be two treatment options for dry cough ... The bad news is that neither of them has proven its effectiveness.
When the drug first appeared and told me about a new drug, I was delighted, and I looked at it a little further. I was looking for research on a new drug, but I could find only those that were caused by rabbits (!)
I contacted the company (Centrix), but to no avail. Although it was very good, the only study (published in English) that they knew about was the above-mentioned study of rabbits -dd! I also contacted the FDA - they said that Clofera is not approved yet.
After more searching, I found some more research. Studies have concluded that chlophedianol and dextromethorphan, at best, worked slightly better than placebo — not good! Truth be told, even knowing it — when I have gills, I still take my dextromethorphan (and cross my fingers).
The best over-the-counter treatment for dry cough is antihistamine (Claritin -loratadine, Zyrtec-cetirizine, Benadryl-diphenhydramine) + menthol cough + rinse with warm salt water (3 times a day) + tea with honey and lemon ... you can always add dextromethorphan or chlophedianol - you can * trick * your body, thinking that it works (like a placebo effect).
* Antihistamine helps to treat postnasal droplet, which often leads to irritated throat and cough
* Drops for menthol - just super! (do not chew suck! J)
* Warm salt water and tea with honey and lemon - soothe irritated throat and reduce cough
If your cough seriously affects your quality of life, you can see a doctor for a generic or Tussionex (brand only). Both drugs have a derivative of codeine (codeine is a really good cough suppressant). But be careful, because it can make you tired and obsessed.
I hope this helps you feel better - go for a steam shower and have a cup of tea! J-always helps ... even if you don't have a dry cough!
