Do OTC remedies relieve cough in acute URIs?

Abstract

Dextromethorphan (DM) for adults and honey for children provide some relief. DM may modestly decrease cough in adults compared with placebo (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, systematic review of inconsistent or limited evidence). The data supporting zinc for the common cold are mixed (SOR: B, meta-analysis with inconsistent results). Antihistamines, antihistamine-decongestant combinations, and guaifenesin don't provide greater relief than placebo in adults (SOR: B, systematic review of inconsistent or limited evidence).