Prolonged Cough Suppression

Abstract

NOCTURNAL coughing spasms are most distressing not only for the child but also for the parents, and drugstores are replete with antitussive agents — many of them the so-called "narcotic-exempt" variety — designed to spare the patient the necessity of seeking a physician's prescription. A survey of local drugstores reveals that 50 to 60 antitussive preparations are stocked by the average pharmacy, consisting of various expectorants, emollients, herbs, sedatives and narcotics (especially codeine and dihydrocodeinone). These preparations enjoy variable popularity, depending upon flavor more than antitussive properties.Patients search for effective agents that will act over a prolonged period. This . . .