Therapy	Study findings
Cough (one Cochrane review [17 studies])5
Antihistamine/decongestant combination	Two studies: one showed benefit with unfavorable side effects; one showed no benefit
Antihistamines	Three studies: no benefit
Codeine (Robitussin AC)	Two studies: no benefit
Dextromethorphan (Delsym)	Three studies: two showed benefit; one showed no benefit
Dextromethorphan plus salbutamol*	One study: limited benefit with unfavorable side effects
Guaifenesin (Mucinex)	Two studies: one showed benefit; one showed no benefit
Moguisteine*	One study: very limited benefit
Mucolytic (e.g., Bisolvon linctus*)	One study: benefit
Congestion and rhinorrhea (two Cochrane reviews [30 studies])6,7; two RCTs8,9)
Antihistamine/decongestant combination	Seven studies: five showed some benefit for nasal obstruction; two showed no benefit
	Six studies: five showed some benefit for rhinorrhea; one showed no benefit
Antihistamines	Five studies: no benefit for nasal obstruction
	Seven studies: benefit for rhinorrhea (first-generation antihistamines only)
Intranasal ipratropium (Atrovent)	One study: benefit
Oral or topical decongestants (single dose)	Four studies: benefit for nasal obstruction
Oral decongestants (repeated doses)	Two studies: one showed benefit for nasal obstruction; one showed no benefit