BRITAIN'S National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued new draft guidance on treatment of coughs, with antibiotics no longer recommended as the first line of treatment.
Instead, honey and over-the-counter remedies containing substances such as pelargonium, guaifenesin or dextromethorphan should be used, with patients recommended to speak to their GP if the cough persists for more than three weeks.
"In most cases acute coughs are caused by a cold or flu virus, or bronchitis...clinicians are advised in most cases not to offer antibiotics as they make little difference to a person's systems," NICE stated.
The document says it is important the reasons for not giving an antibiotic are clearly explained by the healthcare professional, and that advice is given to the patient on appropriate self-care.
The draft guideline is part of a suite of antimicrobial prescribing guidance developed to help manage common infections and prevent antimicrobial resistance.
A consultation on the recommendations is now open, with input sought by 20 Sep 2018.
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