Your editorial by Smith, et al1 made very interesting reading. However, one feature perhaps overlooked was GPs prescribing or recommending such OTC cough medicines solely for the purpose of avoiding the dreaded alternative of the inappropriate antibiotic. Doubtless, we must continue to educate our patients and also endeavour to promote appropriate help-seeking behaviour. Unfortunately, there will probably always be the small cohort of patients/parents/guardians whereby the consultation must end with ‘the prescription’. For many of us, this may well continue to be the tried and trusted OTC preparation of our choosing, despite current evidence. We need more such articles which challenge our daily working habits in an evidence-based manner. Well done.
- © British Journal of General Practice, 2009.
