How to manage acute cough due to the common cold

Nothing like getting a cold in the summer. If you are one of the unlucky ones here are a few things to know about how to handle that cough.

Unfortunately, there still isn’t good evidence for or against using OTC or Rx meds for acute cough due to a cold.
However, if you insist on using something, try nondrug options first…fluids, cool-mist humidifiers, etc.
Try honey…up to 2 teaspoons at bedtime or as needed. There’s some evidence it reduces cough in kids…and it may be worth a try in adults. But avoid it in kids under one year due to botulism risk (rare but could happen)

Safety first!
For example, don’t use OTC cough and cold meds in kids under age 6…to limit the risk of adverse effects (seizures, etc) or overdose.
Avoid dextromethorphan (DM) if you are on an MAOI (selegiline, etc). And be cautious about combining it with serotonergic meds (SSRIs, tramadol, etc)…especially with multiple serotonergics or high doses.
Examples of SSRIs are:Citalopram (Celexa®) Escitalopram (Lexapro®) Fluoxetine (Prozac®) Paroxetine (Paxil®, Pexeva®) Sertraline (Zoloft®) Vilazodone (Viibryd®)

There are no good data that antihistamines or decongestants reduce cough…but they’re often in combo OTC products. Consider anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, drowsiness) with diphenhydramine, etc. Short-term pseudoephedrine is often okay in controlled hypertension…but caution if your Blood Pressure is UNcontrolled.

Use caution with menthol or camphor rubs (Vicks VapoRub, etc) in children…just small amounts can be toxic if ingested by younger kids.

Save Rx cough meds as a last resort. There’s not much evidence codeine or hydrocodone helps. Avoid codeine in children and pregnant or nursing women.