Saturday, August 1, 2026

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

C2.5 + C2.6

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Details

Acute cough is one of the most common presentations in Australian pharmacy, yet product selection, evidence interpretation and patient expectations can make management challenging. With ongoing discussions on the scheduling and safety of dihydrocodeine, pharmacists need up-to-date knowledge to guide clinical decisions and provide clear, evidence-informed advice. This session explores practical approaches to acute cough management, including differentiating self-limiting symptoms from red flags, understanding the evidence behind common treatments and preparing for potential scheduling changes affecting dihydrocodeine. Participants will gain confidence in counselling, recommending safe options and supporting patients who expect fast relief while ensuring safe and responsible use of medicines. Learning objectives: - Discuss the evidence for managing acute cough in pharmacy practice. - Describe the features of cough hypersensitivity syndrome. - Recognise red flags and when referral is required. - Identify appropriate counselling points and effective treatment options. Competency standards (2016): 1.3, 1.6, 3.1

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Speakers