A 55-year-old male with a history of hypertension controlled with hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily asks the pharmacist for a recommendation for his persistent dry cough, which he thinks is due to a cold. He denies fever or shortness of breath. Which of the following self-care recommendations is most appropriate?

Question: A 55-year-old male with a history of hypertension controlled with hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily asks the pharmacist for a recommendation for his persistent dry cough, which he thinks is due to a cold. He denies fever or shortness of breath. Which of the following self-care recommendations is most appropriate?

Answer options:

• Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) for cough suppression.
• Oral phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) for nasal congestion. ✅ Drinking warm fluids and using lozenges to soothe the throat.
• Ibuprofen (Advil) for pain and inflammation.

Correct answer: Drinking warm fluids and using lozenges to soothe the throat.

Explanation: Given his history of hypertension on hydrochlorothiazide, stimulating decongestants like phenylephrine should be avoided. Dextromethorphan can be used, but simple, supportive measures like warm fluids and lozenges are usually effective for a dry cough due to a cold and have minimal risks. Ibuprofen is for pain/inflammation, not specifically for a dry cough. Furthermore, ACE inhibitors can cause a dry cough, which should be considered if the cough is persistent, but a cold-related cough is a reasonable initial assumption for self-care advice.