Acute cough remedies for children: so many options, not enough evidence

Acute cough is a common complaint in children and adolescents, with cough remedies commonly self-prescribed by parents/caregivers to manage typically self-limiting illnesses. Drugs that affect mucociliary factors or target the cough reflex have equivocal evidence of efficacy, while non-drug natural compounds such as honey have moderate quality evidence for efficacy and tolerability. Nevertheless, cough remedies continue to be used despite limited data in the paediatric population; further clinical trials are required for the various options currently available. Acute cough management should also include standardized treatment algorithms and increased parent/caregiver education.