Study shows diphenhydramine suppresses cough reflex sensitivity with Dr. Cocoa formulation

Cough expert Peter V. Dicpinigaitis, M.D., shares his findings at the American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting (infirst Healthcare Booth #1521)

Cough is among the most common complaints for which patients seek medical attention. Leading cough researcher Peter V. Dicpinigaitis, M.D., Professor of Clinical Medicine at New York's Albert Einstein College of Medicine, recently conducted a new cough challenge study among adults, whose results were first presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in September 2014.

The study was conducted using 22 adults with acute URI (common cold) who underwent cough reflex sensitivity measurement employing capsaicin challenge on 3 separate days, 2 hours after ingesting a single dose of study drug (to coincide with peak blood levels) that was administered in a randomized, double-blind manner: a multicomponent syrup containing diphenhydramine (25 mg), phenylephrine (10 mg), in a natural cocoa flavoring (Dr. Cocoa, Infirst Healthcare); dextromethorphan (30 mg) syrup; and, placebo syrup. The standard endpoint of cough challenge was used: the concentration of capsaicin inducing ≥5 coughs (C5).

The results showed that although both the diphenhydramine -containing and dextromethorphan formulations suppressed cough reflex sensitivity relative to placebo, only the degree of inhibition attained by the diphenhydramine-containing medication achieved statistical significance.

Over-the-counter cough medicines historically have been criticized for lack of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy. "This is the first study to demonstrate the ability of diphenhydramine to inhibit cough reflex sensitivity in subjects with acute viral respiratory tract infection (common cold)," explains Dr. Dicpinigaitis.

Dr. Dicpinigaitis will be providing these significant findings to show diphenhydramine's efficacy for cough symptom relief, using the new Dr. Cocoa™ formulation at the infirst Healthcare / Dr. Cocoa™ for Children exhibit booth (#1521) at this week's American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting, October 11-14, in San Diego. Dr. Dicpinigaitis will be at the booth throughout the day on October 11 and 12 and will formally present the findings during these times:

• Saturday, October 11 at 1:30pm and 3pm
• Sunday, October 12 at 10:30am, 1:30pm and 3pm

New Dr. Cocoa™ for Children is the first-ever children's cough and cold medicine to combine trusted, effective ingredients like diphenhydramine with 10% real cocoa for a real chocolate taste to help make dosing easier.