There's no quick way of getting rid of a cough caused by a viral infection. They will usually disappear after the immune system has fought off the virus. Antibiotics should not be used to treat viruses as they are only effective against bacteria. Antibiotics should only be prescribed if the customer develops a secondary bacterial infection, e.g. pneumonia.

There are many different OTC cough remedies available. However, strict restrictions make many unsuitable for children younger than six years old. If a customer asks for a cough treatment for a child younger than six, recommend a simple cough syrup, such as paediatric linctus, or one that contains glycerin or honey, e.g. Calcough Infant Syrup or Tixylix Baby Syrup.

For adults, the range of remedies available is vast, which can be daunting for some customers. To simplify their decision, consider the active ingredients in the product and relate them to the customer's symptoms. Customers may favour certain brands or dislike some flavours. Ask if they've successfully tried any remedies in the past. In all cases, customers should be advised to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and not to take a product that may cause drowsiness if they plan to drive or operate machinery.

For dry, non-productive coughs

Demulcents €“ dry, tickly coughs are usually felt in the throat. Therefore soothing products, such as lozenges, pastilles and linctuses, are often effective at easing symptoms. Demulcents (e.g. Benylin Tickly Coughs Nondrowsy and Covonia Dry & Tickly Cough Linctus) coat the throat and relieve irritation. The relief they bring may be temporary, but these products are convenient for families since many of them are suitable for children, as well as adults. People with diabetes should be aware that these products often contain sugar, with common ingredients including glycerin, liquid glucose, syrup and honey.

Cough suppressants €“ dry, tickly coughs are uncomfortable and can be annoying. They are often treated using suppressants, which are generally split into two groups:

1) Centrally acting suppressants €“ target the area of the brain that controls the cough reflex. They cause few side effects or interactions with other medicines. Ingredients available OTC include dextromethorphan (e.g. Robitussin Dry Cough Medicine and Covonia Original Bronchial Balsam) and pholcodine (e.g. Care Pholcodine Linctus and Potters Pholcodine Cough Pastilles). None of these products are suitable for children under six. Products that contain codeine should not be used by people under 18 for the treatment of coughs.

2) First generation antihistamines €“ older type antihistamines suppress the cough reflex and help to dry up secretions. This is useful if the cough is accompanied by a cold or runny nose.

Drowsiness is a common side effect of these treatments, which can be helpful if the cough is causing insomnia. Other possible side effects include dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating and blurred vision. OTC versions of these medicines include ingredients such as diphenhydramine (e.g. Benylin Dry Coughs Original and Covonia Night Time Formula). Patients with glaucoma and prostate problems should not use these types of treatments. It is also important to note that antihistamines can interact with other medicines, such as antidepressants and those that cause drowsiness.

For chesty, productive coughs

Expectorants €“ increase bronchial secretions and reduce the stickiness of mucus, making it easier to cough up. Common OTC expectorants include: guaifenesin (e.g. Robitussin Chesty Cough Medicine and Benylin Chesty Coughs Non- Drowsy); ipecacuanha (e.g. Covonia Herbal Mucus Cough Syrup) and squill (e.g. Buttercup Original Cough Syrup). None of these products are suitable for children under the age of six.

Cough products with decongestants

Some OTC cough remedies contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine (e.g. Robitussin Chesty Cough with Congestion and Adult Meltus Chesty Coughs with Congestion). These products can be useful if the customer is also suffering from nasal congestion. Anyone with high blood pressure, heart problems, glaucoma or diabetes should be referred to the pharmacist before recommending these products. They are not suitable for children younger than six.