antitussive agent

An antitussive is a drug that suppresses coughing. Coughing is a natural reflex that clears the respiratory tract of irritants and foreign material. While coughing can be a symptom of various conditions, including the common cold or allergies, it is also an important defense mechanism for clearing blocked airways.12

Antitussive agents work by preventing or relieving coughs. Some common antitussives include narcotics like codeine, and safer nonnarcotic options such as dextromethorphan. These medications are often found in cough preparations, sometimes combined with decongestants to reduce secretions or expectorants to help liquefy mucus. It is important to note that a productive cough, which brings up secretions, should generally not be suppressed.2