Are over-the-counter medicines effective?

Is there any point in buying non-prescription remedies? asks John Hearne

THINK twice before you go running to the pharmacist for a cough bottle this winter. New research from the UK suggests that there may be no point. In its most recent bulletin, consumer organisation Which? assembled a team of experts to assess the effectiveness of a number of leading over-the-counter medicines. First up was Benylin Chesty Coughs (Non Drowsy).

According to the bottle, the medicine “works deep down to loosen phlegm, clear bronchial congestion, and make your cough more productive”.