Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: sebastianganson on 03/03/2010 00:58:08

Title: Is it better or worse to take cough medicines when sick?
Post by: sebastianganson on 03/03/2010 00:58:08

When our daughter is ill our pediatrician recommends children's tylenol to help with fever.  My wife and I do the same with regular strength, but I have also heard (mostly from alternative therapists) that taking cold/cough controlling medicines will actually prevent the body from fighting the infection effectively in order to make us feel better temporarily.  The net effect is that we are sicker longer, though may not feel it as much as if we didn't take the medicine.  Any thoughts?

Title: Is it better or worse to take cough medicines when sick?
Post by: JnA on 03/03/2010 06:55:30

I think they say that getting over a 'cold' takes seven days with medication or a week  without.

Title: Is it better or worse to take cough medicines when sick?
Post by: RD on 03/03/2010 14:58:25

Quote

Should we advise parents to administer over the counter cough medicines for acute cough?

 Systematic review of randomised controlled trials

http://adc.bmj.com/content/86/3/170.abstract