Which cough syrup works best? new study puts three popular options to the test

NCT ID NCT06907355

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed trial tested three common cough treatments—levodropropizine, a codeine combination, and ivy leaf extract—against a placebo in 196 adults with acute cough from upper respiratory infections. Participants took the medicine three times a day for four days. The main goal was to see how much cough severity changed after 48 hours. The results could help guide which over-the-counter or prescription cough medicine is most effective.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Levodropropizine, Codeine (with Pseudoephedrine and Chlorphenamine), Ivy Leaf (Hedera Helix Extract)

What this could lead to

If this trial shows one treatment works better than the others, it could help doctors choose the most effective cough medicine for common colds.

What could go wrong

This is a completed Phase 4 trial with 196 participants, so results are already in. However, the findings may not apply to everyone, and any benefits might be small compared to placebo.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cough respiratory tract infectious disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile

    Santiago, Chile