The treatment of acute transient cough: a placebo-controlled comparison of dextromethorphan and dextromethorphan-beta 2-sympathomimetic combination

Abstract

The efficacy of an antitussive-beta 2-sympathomimetic combination (dextromethorphan-salbutamol) was compared with that of a plain antitussive (dextromethorphan) and a placebo in a double-blind trial in 108 out-patients with cough associated with acute respiratory infection. The dextromethorphan-salbutamol combination was superior to dextromethorphan or placebo in the suppression of cough at night, although a spontaneous improvement occurred in all treatment groups during the 4-day treatment period. No statistically significant differences between the treatments were shown in the symptom scores for the cough frequency and severity during the day, sputum quantity or ease of expectoration. A significant improvement in cough during the day was observed in all treatment groups. The results suggest that the use of antitussives is usually unnecessary; the only indication might be symptomatic relief, especially at night. An antitussive combined with a beta 2-sympathomimetic might be the most effective treatment in this type of cough.