April 2017

This week, ATS member Debra Boyer, MD, represented the ATS at a meeting convened by the Food and Drug Administration to discuss the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter cough suppressants.  During the meeting, FDA staff sought input from clinicians about research studies and clinical experience with opioid and non-opioid cough suppressants.  While the meeting was informational only, it appears that the FDA is collecting information for future action on cough suppressant medications.

As noted by Dr. Boyer, "A variety of clinicians treating children with acute and chronic cough gathered at the FDA for a roundtable discussion on the use of opioid and non-opioid medications for the treatment of acute and chronic cough. It was clearly identified by all that there does not exist any good data to support the use of opioid or non-opioid medications for the treatment of cough in children and that these medications carry with them significant side effect profiles.  The FDA is considering further action to limit their use for the treatment of cough."