Effectiveness of Peripheral Antitussives in Patients with Dry Postinfectious Cough

Abstract

Abstract Background: Postinfectious dry cough can significantly worsen the quality of life of patients, which forces them to seek medical help. To relieve this symptom, peripheral antitussive agents are most often used, since they have a high profile of effectiveness and safety. Subjects and Methods: The study used levodropropizine, which was prescribed to a study group consisting of 100 patients with dry postinfectious cough, at a dosage of 10 ml (60 mg) 3 times a day for 7 days. The comparison group consisted of 34 patients with dry postinfectious cough who refused to take levodropropizine or had contraindications to taking it. On the 1st, 4th, and 8th days of the study, complaints were collected, an objective examination, and an assessment of cough intensity using 6-point scales for evaluating day and night cough, as well as a Visual Analog Scale were conducted. In addition, undesirable side effects were assessed at each visit. Results: It was found that during 7 days of treatment with levodropropizine, the intensity of cough on the above-mentioned scales significantly decreased, and no side effects were observed in any patient. Conclusions: The resolution of the cough syndrome occurred faster when taking a peripheral antitussive drug (levodropropizine). Moreover, no side effects were reported in any of the subjects. Therefore, peripheral antitussives have a high efficacy and safety profile against dry postinfectious cough.