Resumen

GIACHETTO, GUSTAVO. Cuándo y cómo tratar la tos: un problema frecuente. Arch. Pediatr. Urug. [online]. 2001, vol.72, n.4, pp.281-285. ISSN 1688-1249.

Introduction: many antitussive, mucolytic and expectorant preparations are commercialized in the pharmaceutical market. The use of these preparations is controversial. Objective: to analyze the available evidence in relation with the efficacy of antitussive pharmacological agents in children. Data sources: information published in the last ten years in two databases: Lilacs and Medline was reviewed. Data selection: efficacy of the different pharmacological agents was evaluated by the results of clinical controlled trials. When the complete text of the article was not available it was excluded from the review. Data synthesis: although codeine and dextromethorphan are effective antitussives in adults, proof of their efficacy in children are scanty. Dosage recommendations are based on extrapolation of data obtained in adults. The efficacy of non-opiate antitussives has not been clearly proved. In the analyzed period no clinical controlled trials on butamirate or oxeladine were found. Conclusions: parents and health personnel education in relation to the lack of evidence on the efficacy of these preparations is necessary. These pharmacological agents are indicated in few situations. If administration of an antitussive is considered necessary, the most appropriate is probably a simple syrup non active against cough (placebo).

Palabras clave : COUGH [therapy]; ANTITUSSIVE AGENTS.

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