Swiss medical weekly
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The optimal approach to the treatment of cough consists, first, in determination of its precise cause. Treatment should be directed at the specific etiology or the pathophysiologic mechanism responsible for cough. The outcome of specific treatment is almost always successful. ⋯ In such cases symptomatic treatment with antitussives may be indicated. Centrally acting antitussives such as opium alkaloids, dextromethorphan and noscapine are the most effective drugs. The indication for expectorants lacks scientifically based support.