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Chapter 3: Respiratory
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Asthma - adult treatment guidance
Asthma - paediatric treatment guidance
Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
The environmental impact of inhalers
Inhaled Corticosteroid Dose Comparison in Asthma
Guidance on croup
Nebulisation guidance
Oxygen guidance
3.1 Bronchodilators
3.2 Corticosteroids
3.3 Cromoglicate and related therapy, leukotriene receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase type-4 inhibitors
3.4 Antihistamines, hyposensitisation, and allergic emergencies
3.5 Respiratory stimulants and pulmonary surfactants
3.7 Mucolytics
3.9 Cough preparations
3.10 Systemic nasal decongestants
3.11 Antifibrotics
Page last updated:
4 September 2019
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3.9 Cough preparations
First Line
Second Line
Specialist
Hospital Only
| SELF-CARE: NHS England has published guidance for various common conditions for which over the counter (OTC) items should not be routinely prescribed in primary care. These conditions include coughs, colds, and nasal congestion. Many products are cheap to buy and are readily available OTC along with advice from pharmacies. Some self-care medicines are available from shops and supermarkets. |
Drugs for cough not listed here:
- Methadone (see section 4.10 Drugs used in substance dependence)
Cough suppression may be useful in specific circumstances in patients over 6 years of age (e.g. if sleep is disturbed), but can cause sputum retention which may be harmful in patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis.
Simple linctus
- Linctus (£1.49 = 200ml)
Dose
- Adult and child over 12 years 5ml 3–4 times daily
Notes
- Simple linctus is available to be purchased over the counter.
- The BNF recommends that cough preparations should be avoided but recognises that simple linctus has the advantage of being harmless and inexpensive.
