A clinical pharmacist in the UK believes there’s one common item on pharmacy shelves that simply isn’t worth the money, claiming its remedial effects ‘aren’t much better than placebo’
A pharmacist has made a surprising admission online, opening up on the one common over-the-counter product she insists she would “never buy”. Anum took to TikTok to make a startling claim that may apply to anyone suffering from a sore throat or cough.
“The one medication I refuse to spend my money on are over-the-counter cough syrups,” the clinical pharmacist explained. Admitting she might receive a backlash in response, Anum advised studies and research suggest that cough remedies “aren’t much better” than a placebo. So what does this mean for those suffering with a cough today?
“These syrups aren’t actually drastically reducing the cough symptoms in comparison to those who are taking nothing or those that were taking placebo,” Anum alleged.
Acknowledging “everyone is different” and “free to spend what they want”, the pharmacist added that should she ever contract a viral, unproblematic cough, she would opt for alternative therapies.
“I rely on hydration, rest and warm water with some lemon and a little bit of honey for a soothing benefit,” Anum said.
She closed by advising her followers who are suffering from a “persistent cough” for three weeks or more to seek further advice from a GP or pharmacist.
Those followers shared contrasting views in response, including one TikTok user who penned: “Benylin definitely loosens a tight sore chest. The rest are rubbish I agree.”
A second praised an alternative brand of cough medicine: “Covonia worked a dream for me when I got the flu, I couldn’t sleep because of the coughing.”
While a third noted: “It’s not about not having a cough medicine, its about having the right cough syrup for the right cough.”
Backing up Anum’s clip, meanwhile, a study by Ron Eccles, head of the Common Cold Centre at the University of Cardiff and published by the National Institute of Health concludes: “The review proposes that the major benefit of cough medicines for treatment of cough associated with common cold is related to the placebo effect rather than the pharmacological effect of an active ingredient.”
When it comes to treating a cough, the NHS advises: “There’s usually no need to see a GP if you have a cough.
You should:
- Rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
You could also try:
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain
- Hot lemon and honey (not suitable for babies under 1 year old)
- A herbal medicine called pelargonium (suitable for people aged 12 or over)
“But there’s limited evidence to show these work. Hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines.”