Effectiveness and tolerability of the thyme/ivy herbal fluid extract BNO 1200 for the treatment of acute cough: an observational pharmacy-based study

Abstract

Objective: Efficacy and safety of an oral thyme/ivy syrup for the treatment of acute cough was previously demonstrated in a randomized clinical trial. Here, we present real-life data from a pharmacy-based, observational study on the effectiveness and tolerability of another thyme/ivy combination (BNO 1200, Bronchipret drops). Methods: This observational, prospective, uncontrolled study was conducted in 305 German pharmacies. Cough and associated symptoms, cough severity and health related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed at baseline, after 4 days and at individual end of treatment (EoT) in patients with acute cough due to upper respiratory tract infections who bought BNO 1200. Patients took BNO 1200 until resolution of cough and completed three validated questionnaires: patient-adapted Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS), cough severity visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ-acute). They also rated speed of onset of treatment action on a VAS and tolerability. Results: A total of 749 patients participated in the study; 730 were included in the analysis. Mean treatment duration was 7.0 ± 3.6 days. Symptom severity assessed by BSS improved from 8.7 ± 3.8 score points (baseline) to 2.4 ± 2.6 at EoT (p