Highlights of New Cough Guidelines

Adults For coughs tied to the common cold, consider older types of antihistamines -- such as diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (found in Chlor-Trimeton and other medicines) and brompheniramine (found in Dimetapp and other drugs), with or without pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. Ingredients without solid research proving effectiveness include expectorants (which thin mucus) and suppressants (which block the cough reflex) -- including guaifenesin (in Robitussin and other products) and dextromethorphan (in Robitussin, Vicks, Triaminic, Sucrets and other couch medicines). Zinc also lacked proof of effectiveness.

Children As hard as it may be, let your child's cough from that cold run its course. Over-the-counter cough medicines don't work well for kids ages 14 and younger and may cause some harm.

Whooping Cough Adults up to age 65 should consider a new vaccine for whooping cough (pertussis), which is very contagious.

-- January W. Payne