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Michael D. Warren, MD; Stephen J. Pont, MD, MPH; Shari L. Barkin, MD, MSHS; S. Todd Callahan, MD, MPH; T. Lynne Caples, MS; Kecia N. Carroll, MD, MPH; Gregory S. Plemmons, MD; Rebecca R. Swan, MD; William O. Cooper, MD, MPH

Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161(12):1149-1153.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Cough is a common symptom in pediatric practice and can be particularly troubling to children and their parents, resulting in discomfort, loss of sleep, and missed schooldays and workdays. Caregivers frequently administer over-the-counter (OTC) medications to their children in an attempt to treat cough. Apart from the costs associated with such medications, some OTC medications have unwelcome and potentially dangerous adverse effects. Dextromethorphan, an opiate-derived antitussive commonly found in OTC cough and cold preparations, is generally safe but on rare occasions can be associated with adverse effects such as dystonia, ataxia, lethargy, and even death.^1-2 Furthermore, several studies^3-4 have shown that dextromethorphan is not more effective than placebo at . . . [Full Text of this Article]

ARE THE RESULTS IN THIS ARTICLE VALID?

Was the Study Randomized?

Were the Groups Similar at the Start of the Trial?

Were Patients, Their Clinicians, and Study Personnel Blinded to Treatment?

Aside From the Experimental Intervention, Were the Groups Treated Equally? Were the Outcomes and Exposures Measured in the Same Way in the Groups Being Compared?

Were All Patients Who Entered the Trial Properly Accounted for and Attributed at Its Conclusion? Was Follow-up Complete?

Were Patients Analyzed in the Groups to Which They Were Randomized?

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?
How Large Was the Treatment Effect?

How Precise Was the Estimate of the Treatment Effect?

WILL THE RESULTS HELP ME IN CARING FOR MY PATIENTS?
Were All Clinically Important Outcomes Considered?

Are the Likely Treatment Benefits Worth the Potential Harm and Costs?

Are the Results Applicable to My Practice?

CONCLUSIONS

AUTHOR INFORMATION

RELATED ARTICLE

Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and No Treatment on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality for Coughing Children and Their Parents
Ian M. Paul, Jessica Beiler, Amyee McMonagle, Michele L. Shaffer, Laura Duda, and Cheston M. Berlin, Jr
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161(12):1140-1146.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

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