A
cough medicine or
cough and cold medicine, also known as
cough syrup or
linctus when in syrup form, is a medicinal
drug used in those with
coughing and related conditions. There is no good evidence one way or the other for
over-the-counter cough medications. While they are used by 10% of American children weekly, they are not recommended in Canada and the United States in children 6 years or younger because of lack of evidence showing effect and concerns of harm.