Cough
Prescribing Notes:
- There is little evidence to support the use of cough suppressants.
- For persistent cough lasting 4-6 weeks, the underlying cause should be established.
History Notes
16/02/2022
East Region Formulary content agreed.
Prescribing Notes:
- There is little evidence to support the use of cough suppressants.
- For persistent cough lasting 4-6 weeks, the underlying cause should be established.
History Notes
30/08/2023
East Region Formulary content agreed - ERFC 09/08/2023.
Inhalation of warm moist air may give symptomatic relief.
None of the remedies available for the management of cough (cough suppressants, expectorants or demulcents) are proven to provide any significant benefit.
Prescribing Notes:
Examples of Counselling Points
Drink plenty of fluids.
Chesty coughs can last up to 2 weeks whilst dry coughs can continue for 3 weeks.
Smokers can suffer more with their coughs; advice can be given on smoking cessation.
When to advise patient to contact GP
Cough lasting 2-3 weeks or more.
Sputum yellow, green, rusty or blood stained.
Chest pain.
Shortness of breath or wheezing.
Whooping cough or croup.
Recurrent nocturnal cough.
Suspected adverse drug reaction (e.g. ACE inhibitors).
Failed medication (no improvement in symptoms after 5 days).
Persistent cough with alarm symptoms, e.g. weight loss, fluid retention, wheezing.
History Notes
19/12/2024
Updated content agreed ERFC Dec 2024
27/10/2020
Content migrated from ‘East Region Formulary: Pharmacy First - supporting minor ailments’ document.