Comparison of safety and efficacy of dextromethorphan and levocloperastine in treatment of dry cough: a randomized open label phase IV clinical trial

ABSTRACT

Background: To compare safety and efficacy of dextromethorphan and levocloperastine in treatment of dry cough.Methods: Patients fulfilling the selection criteria were randomized into two groups. Patients in group A were administered dextromethorphan cough lozenges (5 mg) thrice daily for 7 days. Patients in group B were administered syrup levocloperastine (20 mg/5 ml) 5 ml thrice daily for 7 days. Severity and frequency of cough, and Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) score were assessed at the end of day 7.Results: Levocloperastine significantly decreased (p<0.5) severity and frequency of cough compared to dextromethorphan at day 7. Levocloperastine also significantly increased LCQ score compared to dextromethorphan at day 7.Conclusions: Levocloperastine is significantly more effective compared to dextromethorphan in treatment of dry cough.