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Research ArticleOriginal Article

Clinical Trial Examining Effectiveness Of Three Cough Syrups

Mary S. Croughan-Minihane, Diana B. Petitti, Jonathan E. Rodnick and Gerald Eliaser
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice March 1993, 6 (2) 109-115; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.6.2.109
Mary S. Croughan-Minihane
From the Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, (MSC-M, DBP, JER), the Family Practice Residency Program, Community Hospital of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, CA (GE), and the Collaborative Family Practice Research Group, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (MSC-M, DBP, JER, GE). Address reprint requests to Mary Croughan-Minihane, PhD, Department of Family and Community Medicine, AC-9, Box 0900, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143.
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Diana B. Petitti
From the Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, (MSC-M, DBP, JER), the Family Practice Residency Program, Community Hospital of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, CA (GE), and the Collaborative Family Practice Research Group, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (MSC-M, DBP, JER, GE). Address reprint requests to Mary Croughan-Minihane, PhD, Department of Family and Community Medicine, AC-9, Box 0900, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143.
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Jonathan E. Rodnick
From the Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, (MSC-M, DBP, JER), the Family Practice Residency Program, Community Hospital of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, CA (GE), and the Collaborative Family Practice Research Group, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (MSC-M, DBP, JER, GE). Address reprint requests to Mary Croughan-Minihane, PhD, Department of Family and Community Medicine, AC-9, Box 0900, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143.
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Gerald Eliaser
From the Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, (MSC-M, DBP, JER), the Family Practice Residency Program, Community Hospital of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, CA (GE), and the Collaborative Family Practice Research Group, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (MSC-M, DBP, JER, GE). Address reprint requests to Mary Croughan-Minihane, PhD, Department of Family and Community Medicine, AC-9, Box 0900, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143.
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Abstract

Background: Cough is one of the most common symptoms of respiratory infections for which patients seek relief. This study was done to assess the effectiveness of three commonly prescribed cough syrups.

Methods: In this multipractice, office-based, randomized clinical trial, guaifenesin was compared with guaifenesin plus codeine or guaifenesin plus dextromethorphan in patients with uncomplicated respiratory tract infections. Family physicians enrolled 97 patients between February 1988 and April 1990. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment and were interviewed by telephone at 2, 4, and 10 days to assess cough relief, treatment adherence, and side effects. There were no statistically significant differences among treatment groups at base line.

Results: At day 2 there were no statistically significant differences among treatment groups for any of the outcome measures. At day 4 five of the outcome measures of cough quality, frequency, sleep disturbances, and absenteeism were not statistically significantly different among groups. The only statistically significant difference was the ability to keep up with usual activities, which improved least in patients assigned to dextromethorphan than in patients in other groups. There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups at day 10 for any of the outcomes.

Conclusion: It appears that codeine, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin are equally effective in relieving cough symptoms.

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The Journal of the American Board of Family     Practice: 6 (2)
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
Vol. 6, Issue 2
1 Mar 1993
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Clinical Trial Examining Effectiveness Of Three Cough Syrups
Mary S. Croughan-Minihane, Diana B. Petitti, Jonathan E. Rodnick, Gerald Eliaser
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice Mar 1993, 6 (2) 109-115; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.6.2.109

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Clinical Trial Examining Effectiveness Of Three Cough Syrups
Mary S. Croughan-Minihane, Diana B. Petitti, Jonathan E. Rodnick, Gerald Eliaser
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice Mar 1993, 6 (2) 109-115; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.6.2.109
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