Levodropropizine for children and adolescents with acute post-viral cough: an evidence-based choice

Minerva Pediatr (Torino). 2024 Dec;76(6):758-766. doi: 10.23736/S2724-5276.24.07638-9. Epub 2024 Jul 30.

Abstract

Acute post-viral cough is a common symptom, usually mild-moderate and self-resolving. However, acute cough may be particularly annoying, affecting sleep, and quality of life, also of the family. Thus, treatment is deemed necessary. Antitussive remedies may be pharmacological or non-pharmacological. Antitussive drugs are either central or peripheral. Central drugs are burdened with significant side effects and can cause abuse, especially in adolescents. Levodropropyzine, on the other hand, is an effective peripheral drug, as demonstrated by two meta-analyses, and has an optimal safety profile. Non-pharmacological remedies tend to be safe, but few substances have a documented degree of efficacy. Therefore, when managing children and adolescents with a post-viral cough, the practical approach may be based on levodropropizine use, which is preferable when the cough is particularly persistent and disturbs sleep.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Antitussive Agents* / adverse effects
  • Antitussive Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Cough* / drug therapy
  • Cough* / etiology
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Propylene Glycols / adverse effects
  • Propylene Glycols / therapeutic use
  • Quality of Life
  • Virus Diseases / complications
  • Virus Diseases / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antitussive Agents
  • dipropizine
  • Propylene Glycols