Antitussive agents

Antitussive agents are a type of medication used to suppress or relieve coughing. They are often used in the treatment of respiratory diseases and conditions that cause chronic or acute coughing. Antitussive agents can be divided into two main categories: centrally acting antitussives and peripherally acting antitussives.

Mechanism of Action

Centrally acting antitussives work by suppressing the cough reflex in the central nervous system. This is typically achieved by acting on the cough center in the medulla oblongata, a part of the brain that controls the urge to cough. Examples of centrally acting antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan, and pholcodine.

Peripherally acting antitussives work by numbing the cough receptors in the throat and lungs, thereby reducing the sensitivity to cough triggers. Examples of peripherally acting antitussives include benzonatate and levodropropizine.

Uses

Antitussive agents are used to treat both productive (wet) and nonproductive (dry) coughs. They are often used in conjunction with expectorants and mucolytics to help clear mucus from the lungs.

In addition to their use in treating coughs, some antitussive agents, such as codeine, are also used for their analgesic (pain-relieving) and sedative effects.

Side Effects

Like all medications, antitussive agents can cause side effects. These can vary depending on the specific agent used, but may include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and dry mouth. In rare cases, some antitussive agents can cause more serious side effects such as respiratory depression.

See Also

• Cough suppressant
• Expectorant
• Mucolytic