Cough suppressants
Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants, also known as antitussives, are medications used to suppress or relieve a cough. Pronounced as kof suh-pres-uhnts, the term is derived from the Latin word 'suppressus', meaning 'to suppress', and 'tussis', meaning 'cough'.
Types of Cough Suppressants
There are two main types of cough suppressants:
- Opioids: These are strong cough suppressants and are usually prescribed by a doctor. They work by acting on the cough center in the brain to suppress the cough reflex. Examples include codeine and hydrocodone.
- Non-opioids: These are over-the-counter cough suppressants. They work by numbing the throat, thereby reducing the urge to cough. Examples include dextromethorphan and pholcodine.
Usage and Side Effects
Cough suppressants are used to treat a persistent cough that does not produce any mucus. They should not be used for a productive cough, as this type of cough helps to clear mucus from the lungs.
Side effects of cough suppressants can include drowsiness, constipation, and nausea. In rare cases, they can cause serious side effects such as respiratory depression and addiction, particularly with opioid cough suppressants.
Related Terms
- Expectorants: These are medications that help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
- Mucolytics: These are medications that break down mucus, making it easier to cough up.
- Decongestants: These are medications that reduce swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cough suppressants
- Wikipedia's article - Cough suppressants
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