M THE DAILY INSIGHT
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Are antitussives safe?

By Daniel Rodriguez

Are antitussives safe? In general, antitussives are safe. Some antitussives interact with other medications. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking, including herbal products and vitamins, before starting treatment with an antitussive.

What are side effects of antitussives?

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, upset stomach, nausea, constipation, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Is antitussive an opioid?

Codeine is one of the centrally acting narcotic opioids approved for use as an antitussive, a prodrug that is bioactivated by CYP2D6 into morphine in the liver. The opioid effects of codeine are related to plasma morphine concentrations.

Are antitussives antihistamines?

Antihistamine / non-narcotic antitussive combinations are used to treat cold symptoms, allergic rhinitis, cough, and nasal congestion. They work by suppressing cough and blocking the action of histamine which causes allergic symptoms.

When should antitussives not be used?

This medication is not usually used for ongoing coughs from smoking, asthma, other long-term breathing problems (e.g., emphysema), or coughs with a lot of mucus unless directed by your doctor. Opioid cough suppressants should not be used by children younger than 18 years.

What are antitussives and expectorants?

Antitussives are cough suppressants. They relieve your cough by blocking the cough reflex. Expectorants thin mucus. This may help your cough clear the mucus from your airway. Drinking extra fluids also helps keep mucus thin.

Which drugs are used as antitussive *?

List of Antitussives:

Drug NameAvg. RatingReviews
Tessalon Generic name: benzonatate5.830 reviews
Robitussin CoughGels Long-Acting Generic name: dextromethorphan3.53 reviews
Buckleys Mixture Generic name: dextromethorphan5.33 reviews
Vicks Formula 44 Generic name: dextromethorphan5.01 review

What are the indications and therapeutic actions associated with antitussives?

Indication of antitussives Antitussives are indicated for the following: Local anesthetic on the respiratory passages, lungs, and pleurae, blocking the effectiveness of the stretch receptors that stimulate a cough reflex. For relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

Do antitussives help with chest congestion?

This combination medication is used to temporarily treat cough, chest congestion, and stuffy nose symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis).

When should antitussives not be given?

Do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.