Pharmacist Issues Stark Warning About Common Cough syrups
A leading pharmacist is advising consumersโข toโค skip over-the-counter cough syrups, citing a lack โฃof scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Anum, a pharmacist sharing โinsights onโ TikTok, โคhas gone โฃviral for her blunt assessment of a widely-purchased remedy, a stance backed by research from the American โฃChemical Society and peer-reviewed studies.
As autumn brings a surge in respiratory illnesses and dry indoor air, many rush to pharmacies seekingโ quick relief. However, Anum explains in a recent TikTok video, “Thes medications don’t actually reduce cough symptoms โฃcompared to people who don’t โขtake anything.”โ This revelation challenges a long-held belief in theโ efficacy of these readily available treatments, impacting โขmillions who self-treat seasonal coughs and colds.
Theโข core issue,โ according to the American Chemical Society, is that research hasโ found “no strong evidence โofโค their effectiveness.”โ A study published in PMC further โclarifies โขthat the benefit derived from cough and cold medications is largely attributableโข to the placebo effect, rather than any pharmacological action of the โactive ingredients. This applies not only to traditional syrups but โขalso to some popular natural supplements like echinacea,โฃ vitamin C, and zinc.
Anum specifically singles out cough syrups as the one medication she personally โฃrefusesโ to purchase.โข These syrups โtypically containโ a โฃcombination โof cough suppressants – intended to block the cough reflex – expectorants – designed to thin mucus – and antihistamines – aimedโ at โฃreducing nasal congestion. Despite these intended functions, theโ pharmacist emphasizes that none have demonstrated consistent, provenโ benefits.
While syrups โfall short, Anum recommends focusing on supportive care: “I rely on hydration, rest and warm lemon โwater with a little honeyโ for a โsoothing effect.” She notes that most coughs resolve within aโ week or โขtwo without intervention, โbut advises consulting a doctor if symptoms persist โbeyond three weeks.
