How to treat dry cough

Flu and cold season ... so not fun for anyone! Together with the concern with shots of flu and swine flu, we still have to deal with the common cold. One of the greatest people complain of symptoms is a super annoying cough dry, irritating.

Well, there * may * be hope yet because there is a new cn counter (OTC) drug on the horizon that will handle the cough. Dry cough can vary from cough cough ultra super annoying constant "clearing of the throat".

There are some drugs that can treat so round ... like antihistamines and decongestants. These meds can help treat some of the issues that can lead to a cough.

Cough suppressants (antitussives) work to deal directly with the cough by blocking the cough reflex.

Currently, the lone cough suppressant dextromethorphan is OTC market (Delsym, Robitussin caps). Mucinex DM combination products like Robitussin DM, and Nyquil also contain dextromethorphan.

So, what is this all about a new drug? It is called Clofera (chlophedianol and pseudoephedrine) that has a decongestant and "new" cough suppressant.

The reason that I say chlophedianol is "new" is because it actually was approved back in the 1960s. It has been marketed in Canada, United Kingdom and Japan for some time but now just released on u.s. market.

So the good news is that there are soon to be two options for the treatment of dry cough ... the bad news is that neither one really has proven to work very well.

When the drug first approached and spoke to me about the new drug, I was psyched-then looked into it a bit further. I searched for studies on new drug, but could find only those conducted on rabbits (!)

I contacted the company (Centrix) but to no avail. Although very beautiful, the only study (published in English) were aware of was the rabbit that studio-odd! I contacted the FDA Clofera-they said it has not been approved yet.

After more research, I found some more studies. The studies concluded that chlophedianol and dextromethorphan, at best, worked a little better than a placebo-not good! The truth, even knowing this-when I am sick to the gills, still take my dextromethorphan (and keep my fingers crossed).

Best OTC treatment for cough-an antihistamine Loratadine (Claritin; Zyrtec-cetirizine; Benadryl-diphenhydramine) + menthol cough drops + gargling with warm salt water (3 day) + tea with honey and lemon ... you can always add dextromethorphan or chlophedianol-you may be able to * trick * your body into thinking that you're working on (aka placebo effect).

* The antihistamine helps treat drip that often leads to sore throat and cough

* Menthol cough drops-only work super well! (Don't chew suck! J)

* Salted hot water and tea with honey and lemon-help soothe sore throat and lessen the coughing

If the cough is seriously affecting the quality of life-ask you doctor for hydromet (generic) or Tussionex (single brand). Both drugs have a derivative of codeine (codeine is a really good cough suppressant). But be careful because it can make you tired and loopy.

I hope this helps you feel better go get a steam shower and a cup of tea! J-always helps ... even if you don't have a hacking cough!